Course Overview
This course provides an in-depth exploration of diode laser use for registered dental hygienists, including fundamental knowledge, clinical applications, and safety standards. The course includes a mix of theoretical online content and hands-on practice, preparing dental hygienists to integrate diode laser technology safely and effectively into dental hygiene practice.
Course Goals
-
Comprehend diode laser technology and its applications in dental hygiene.
-
Implement evidence-based protocols for safe and effective use of diode lasers.
- Demonstrate clinical proficiency in diode laser procedures for periodontal therapy and soft tissue management. These procedures include: Laser-assisted periodontal therapy, laser bacterial reduction, desensitization, and cold sore/aphthous ulcer treatments.
Course Schedule
The online modules open 4 weeks before the clinical day. These modules are structured into weekly segments as a general guide for self-paced study. Students are encouraged to follow this weekly progression to balance learning, but they may complete the modules at their own pace. The only fixed deadlines are completion of the Laser Safety Exam by end of Week 4, all coursework by the end of Week 6 and mandatory attendance at the Zoom Review session and clinical training day.
| Week | Topics | Format | Activities & Assessments |
| 1-4 |
Introduction to Laser Fundamentals |
Online (Asynchronous) | Assigned Work & Quizzes |
| 1-4 | Laser Safety Standards | Online (Asynchronous) | Laswer Safety Protocols; *the Laser Safety Standards Exam Must be Completed Prior To Clinical Day |
| 1-6 |
Periodontal Therapy and Clinical Applications |
Online (Asynchronous) | Assigned Work & Quizzes |
| Zoom |
Zoom Review (day before clinic day) 6:30 PM |
Online (Synchronous) | Instructor led review and preparation for clinical day. Question and answer period with students. |
| Clinical Day |
In-Person Practical Training |
In-Person | Hands-On Skills Assessment and Evaluation |
| 4-6 |
Periodontal Therapy and Clinical Applications |
Online (Asynchronous) | Finish Assigned Work & Quizzes |
Course Materials
Course modules can be found on eClass (account creation information will be provided after registration). eClass access will be provided 4 weeks before the posted clinical training date and will remain open for an additional 2 weeks after the clinical training day.
Requirements
- RDH designation and an active practicing license from your dental hygiene regulatory authority.
- If you are practicing out-of-province, a Letter of Good Standing from your current dental regulatory authority (Please confirm with your regulatory body whether diode laser certification is available for you.)
- A current CPR certificate from the Heart & Stroke Foundation (only certificates from this organization are accepted due to their ACLS training and certification).
- Practice permit and CPR certificate documents are required to be uploaded upon registration
Policies
- Refunds after eClass access will not be facilitated except in extreme circumstances. Transfer to a future session may be facilitated under certain extenuating circumstances and with sufficient notice provided.
- If you are taking this course while registered as a dental hygienist in a province other than Alberta, it is your (the participant's) responsibility to ensure that your regulatory body will accept course work completed through the University of Alberta. The University of Alberta takes no responsibility if you take a course through our institution, and your regulatory body refuses to certify you/allow you to practice this activity.
Questions?
Contact us at dentce@ualberta.ca or 780-492-1894 for any questions or concerns. Course information, prerequisites, and policies are provided below.