Why a Dental Laser Course Trumps Manufacturer Training

For dental hygienists, getting certified on the dental laser is a savvy move. And if your practice is purchasing a dental laser, the provided training from the manufacture may seem sufficient. They should be able to teach you everything you need to know, right? Unfortunately, not everything is as it appears — and laser training is one of them. From state requirements to continuing education credits to talking points, here’s why dental laser course trumps manufacturer training every time.

Apples to Apples

When you’re comparing a dental laser course, like those offered here at Dedicated Dental Hygiene, to the standard training offered on by a particular dental laser manufacturer, it’s important to look at all the facts. As a hygienist seeking training, it’s safe to assume you want to feel proficient and capable on the laser. You want to be able to comfortably and knowledgeably discuss laser use in dentistry. You want hands-on training so you understand exactly how to use the laser for a variety of applications. And, of course, you want the benefit of continuing education credits, which are only available through nationally approved PACE program providers for FAGD/MAGD credit.

These benefits are exactly what you can expect with a dental laser course. That’s not the case with a standard dental laser manufacturer training. In many cases, these kinds of manufacturer courses don’t meet requirements in states with specific education mandates. They often aren’t tailored to the hygienist’s scope of practice, which tends to vary from one state to the next. They may not come with continuing education credit, and many manufacturer courses are online only, without the benefit of hands-on, in-person training. Often, these courses are largely impersonal, generalized, and limited in scope to their specific laser, which means narrow training as a whole.

It’s important to recognize dental laser manufacturer training for what it is — training on a specific laser that’s intended to familiarize people with the instrument in question. As a supplement to a more robust training course, it’s a fine idea. But the limits inherent to this kind of training makes it insufficient as a stand-alone option.

If your goal is proficiency on dental lasers as a whole, a class like those here at Dedicated Dental Hygiene will offer a much more focused, comprehensive experience. We’re committed to helping clinicians further their professional development and make a positive impact on the lives of their patients. And we do that by offering the best education we can.

Learn more about our classes, our in-office training, and our on-demand training (exclusively offered in Texas at this time). And if you have questions, we’re here to answer them — contact us today.