Revised ANSI Z136.3 Safety - Academy of Laser Dentistry · unbiased education for the safe and...

4/22/12 March Issue of Lightwaves Newsletter

1/8campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=qqz5gsn6&v=001sR5DqrsuDUmcvBu3oYLoc4znVEjyB…

Dr. Ana Maria Triliouris ALD President

The content in this preview is based on the last saved version of your email any changes made to your email thathave not been saved will not be shown in this preview.

March 2012

President's News

Dear ALD Members,

This, my last message asPresident of the Academy ofLaser Dentistry, will be amessage of HOPE. I haveseen more and more patientsasking for the benefits of laserdentistry and with that I haveseen more and more dentistsasking how they can learnabout laser dentistry and howthey can incorporate lasersinto their practices all over theworld. This is still just thebeginning; we need to feed onthe momentum and moveforward.

We are working with manufacturers and distributors toreach as many dentists as possible to invite them to ourAnnual Meeting where dentists may participate inunbiased education for the safe and efficient use oflasers in dentistry; and most importantly, to learn howlasers make dental treatment more comfortable forpatients.

We are trying to reach academicians, professors, deans,and administrators in Dental Schools to incorporate aLaser Dentistry Curriculum and/or Programs tointroduce students to laser dentistry. We all know thatstudents tend to use in their practices the technologythey learned to use in their dental school. We need topromote laser use by young dentists. We are workingwith regulatory agencies to expand their understanding

In This Issue President's News General Membership Meeting Revised ANSI Z 136.3 Safety Standards Laser Curriculum in Dental Schools Clinical Tip Member Spotlight Rest, Relax, Rejuvenate! Winner of Hotel Night Wanted

Revised ANSI Z136.3 SafetyStandardRevised ANSI Z136.3 SafetyStandard Now AvailableThe American National Standards Institute's ANSI Z136series of laser safety standards are recognized as thedefinitive documents on laser safety for all U.S. healthcare environments.One such standardin the series,Z136.3‐2011American NationalStandard for SafeUse of Lasers inHealth Care, has been recently revised and is nowavailable from the Laser Institute of America (LIA), the



of laser dentistry and the Curriculum GuidelinesStandards so that they are better informed whenmaking legislative or licensure decisions for their stateconstituents.

We are working with laser safety organizations toassure that regulations are put in place that will ensurethe safe use of lasers in dentistry and healthprofessions as a whole. All this is in the USA. In the restof the world, more Affiliate Study Groups aredeveloping and more countries are asking forinformation on how to form ALD Affiliate StudyGroups; Malaysia and Thailand are good examples ofthis.

We have registered Chapters in Japan, and the UnitedKingdom, and ALD Affiliate Study Clubs in Italy, andKazakhstan and, as of this past December, in India aswell. I was honored to be included in the ALD AffiliateStudy Club inauguration in India. Not only was itinspiring to see how motivated these 50 plus IndianDentists were about laser dentistry, but it was also a lotof fun. Many of these members who took the StandardProficiency Exam in Delhi and Lucknow in Decemberwill join us in Scottsdale, Arizona. Several of them arecommencing their Advance Certification this year and Iam looking forward to welcoming them with openarms. What is important is that all this interestpromotes laser dentistry world wide and we are thereat the forefront helping as much as we possibly can.

That is why I call this a message of HOPE. I hope, as Iend my Presidency, that laser technology will penetratethe dental marketplace deeply because I believe thatthis technology will change the face of dentistry as afeared profession by so many. Children who go to alaser dentist that treats dental disease, caries, as aninfectious disease and promotes prevention from theirvery first visit will never develop a fear of dentistry.There will be nothing to be afraid of.

So, with this thought it has been a pleasure to serve ourmembership and I look forward to continuing topromote laser dentistry and the Academy of LaserDentistry as the only unbiased laser dental organizationdedicated to educating all dentists in the safe andefficient use of dental lasers. As we enter our 20th year,thank you all for your help in propelling ALD Prime intoits third decade.

See you in Scottsdale.

Sincerely,Dr. Ana Maria Triliouris

General MembershipMeeting in Scottsdale, AZAcademy of Laser Dentistry

Secretariat and Publisher of the ANSI standards. From our inception as an organization, ALD has been astrong proponent of proper implementation of safetyprocedures in all health care settings, supportingadherence to ANSI and international laser safetystandards, and becoming an approved organizationalmember of ANSI's Accredited Standards Committee(ASC) Z136 on September 15, 2010. Dr. Scott Benjaminserves as ALD's representative to the Committee. Additionally, although he did not act in the capacity ofofficially representing the ALD, Dr. Joel White, the Chairof the ASC Z136 Standards Subcommittee SSC‐3 SafeUse of Lasers in Health Care, was one of the foundingmembers of our Academy and was instrumental indeveloping the Curriculum Guidelines and Standardsfor Dental Laser Education. Moreover, among thecontributing members of the SSC‐3 Subcommittee isCaroline Sweeney, a member of the ALD, who has alsoserved as a past Laser Safety Committee Chair for theALD, and co‐authored ALD's position paper on "LaserSafety in Dentistry" (available on our Web site). In the newly revised Z136.3‐2011 standard, AmericanNational Standard for Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care,the Academy of Laser Dentistry was mistakenly omittedfrom the list of participating organizational members. When ALD inquired about the apparent omission of itsname from the published Z136.3 standard, LIA'sDirector of Standards Development acknowledged thatALD was indeed an organizational member at the timethe standard was approved on June 3, 2011. Shegraciously offered an apology for the unintentionalomission, and will ask that the oversight be correctedfor the next print run of the document.

In our continuing support of ANSI and laser safety, theALD recommends that all health care institutions,including private practices, dental clinics,university/dental schools, and hospital settings, befamiliar with the safety recommendations set forth inthe definitive ANSI Z136 series of laser safety standards.For more information, visit the Laser Institute ofAmerica's Web site, www.lia.org.

Upcoming Events

2012

March 9‐10 ‐ Soft Tissue Laser Certification forthe Dental Hygienist, Kentucky DentalAssociation March 23‐24 ‐ Laser Pocket Reduction & DiodeTraining for the Dental Professional, Sioux Falls,SD March 29‐31, 2012 ‐ ALD 19th Annual MeetingMarch 30 ‐ One Day ‐ Lasers in Pedo‐OrthoApplications for Specialists and General Dentistsin Conjunction with ALD Annual Meeting



to Hold General Membership Meeting in Scottsdale, AZ on March 30, 2012

The Academy of Laser Dentistry will conduct its generalmembership business meeting on March 30, 2012during the 19th Annual Conference and Exhibition. Dr.Art Levy, Nominations Chair and President‐Elect, willexplain the selection process for ALD directors andofficers as well as the organizational committeestructure. Eligible voting members present in Scottsdalewill be asked to vote to accept the nominees to serve inBoard leadership positions for the Academy of LaserDentistry.

Click here to view the agenda.

There's still time toregister!

March 31, 2012 ‐ One Day Hygiene Day forHygienists and Dentists April 13‐14 ‐ Soft Tissue Laser Certification forthe Dental Hygienist in Chicago, IL November ‐ 2012 Pediatric Meeting in Genoa,Italy.

Search the full calendar of events.

Winner of Hotel NightCongrats to Dr. Tim Goodheart of Raytown, Missouri,the winner of the one free hotel night at ALD 2012!Dr. Goodheart is a new member of ALD and theupcoming 2012 conference will be his first.

Laser Curriculum in DentalSchoolsArizona Shines as A LeadingExample The Arizona School for Dentistry and Oral Health (ASDOH) is afour year, fully accredited dental school that has some of themost modern, state‐of‐the‐art radiographic, pre‐clinical SIMlabs, lecture and IT facilities currently available in the US.ASDOH was started more than 7 years ago in Mesa, Arizona.Four years ago Dr. Enrico DiVito introduced the first lasers,both hard and soft tissue, to the clinic. At approximately thatsame time ASDOH faculty attended ALD's annual meeting tolearn more about ALD's organizational role in dentistry. A yearlater ASDOH had the only true curriculum‐based laser dentalprogram in the country, thanks to the foresight andimplementation of many dedicated academicians and ALDmembers.

Tips, Tricks & Nothing butthe Toothby Dr. Larry Kotlow

When using your Er:YAG laser to prepare ClassIII or Class II restorations, place a wedge into theinterproximal area to prevent accidental injuryto the gingival tissue. This prevents anyaccidental bleeding and therefore makes placingrestorations easier.



At ASDOH, students are given both didactic and hands‐ontraining on lasers in dentistry prior to treating patients.Detailed advanced laser physics and mathematics are anintegral part of the training and upon successfuldemonstration of competency; students are certified as laserproficient. This program is part of the ASDOH comprehensivedental training program and has been instrumental in helpingfurther dental laser technology and delivery to both thedoctors and the patients treated.

Hopefully this program will serve as a model from whichfuture dental institutions can emulate and continue educatingand spreading the light.....laser light that is! Through the ALD'sUniversity and Academia Relations Committee, chaired by Dr.Sebastiano Andreana, the ALD has tall plans to proactivelyengage more dental schools into developing laser programs.The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) now has aSpecial Interest Group (SIG) for Lasers in Dentistry, a huge stepforward for fostering laser education in the future. Hats off toASDOH for setting the bar.

Wanted



Member SpotlightA Conversation with Dr. Branton Richter By Dr. Chris Walinski

In this month's Member Spotlight, we caught up with Dr. Branton Richter. Dr. Richter is a pediatric dentist fromLehi, Utah who started using lasers in his practice in December, 2008.

ALD: Dr. Richter, what wavelengths do you use in your pediatric dentalpractice?

BR: My first laser unit included both an Er:YAG and Nd:YAG. In March of2010, I purchased a 660 nm diode for wound healing, LLLT and treatmentof aphthae and cold sores. I added a 1064 diode last August, so that Iwould have the ability to do frenectomies on children under generalanesthesia, while at the Surgical Center. I upgraded my Er:YAG/Nd:YAG unitthis past November and just added another Er:YAG/Nd:YAG in January ofthis year for an associate who will be joining my practice in a couple ofmonths.

ALD: Wow! Seems like you're becoming a collector! Why did you feel itimportant to invest in your first laser in 2008?

BR: I was exposed to lasers in dentistry at an office where I worked, soonafter finishing my Pediatric Residency. While I was only there for a shorttime, the laser intrigued me. Once I got established on my own, I made thedecision to purchase my own laser. Working with children, I was veryinterested in doing better, less invasive operative dentistry without the need for shots and drills; lasers made thisvery easy.

ALD: You're a pediatric dentist. Can you elaborate a bit on how you feel laser technology enhances your dentistryfor children?

BR: As incredible as lasers can be for Endo, Perio and other procedures, I have found that in Pediatrics, lasers arean absolute gold mine. The ability to fix an apprehensive child's cavities without anesthetic, eliminates the fear ofhaving a "shot," and eliminates the possibility of the child biting his/her lip afterwards is priceless. I continue to beamazed at the ability to do what we do without shots and drills so that a child doesn't grow up fearful of going tothe dentist. I believe this will reduce the future need for dental treatments because this young generation won'tfear going to the dentist and will be more likely get routine care.



ALD: Dr. Richter, do you ever get resistance from patients or parents when you suggest a laser procedure versuswhat most would consider 'conventional' treatment?

BR: I've never had anyone, in over three years, resist the use of a laser, other than a few two year‐olds who wereresisting everything else as well. Patients usually don't know how good they have it, but parents are very openand grateful for the advanced technology and how easy it makes the experience for their children. Some haveasked if it will cost more, but I gladly inform them that the cost is the same.

ALD: Now that you have become accustomed to using a laser in practice, what would be your reaction to notbeing able to use it, starting tomorrow?

BR: I'd quit. There is no way I could ever go back. Ilove the technology and the services that can beperformed with it and I would not be interested inproviding what I now consider a less‐ than‐idealservice.

ALD: I know we will see you in Scottsdale. Why doyou feel it is important to attend the ALD annualmeeting?

BR: Two of the most important principles that wereimpressed upon me early in my laser career were: 1.Get all the education that you can and 2. Make sureyou have good magnification. The more I learnabout lasers, the more I realize how much morethere is to know and how endless the possibilitiesare. I feel that the ALD does a great job of providing

a broad spectrum of topics that are clinically relevant and very educational. I look forward to this annual meetingmore than any other meeting that I regularly attend.

ALD: Finally, what do you enjoy doing when you're not practicing dentistry?

BR: When I'm not busy lasing teeth, I enjoy spending time with my 4 children, playing board games with familyand friends, skiing, mountain biking and learning more about technology and finance. I enjoy serving in mychurch and being involved in various activities with my kids and my wife of 15 years.

ALD: Sounds like you're very blessed Dr. Richter. Thank you so much for spending some time with us, sharingyour success. See you in Scottsdale!

Rest, Relax, and Rejuvenate in Scottsdale!Perfect for enjoying scenic outdoor activities in the Sonoran desert, overall temperatures in March average 65degrees Fahrenheit, with an average high temperature of 77 and an average low temperature of 54.

Golf enthusiasts, plan on teeing off at the championship We‐Ko‐Pa Golf Club. After a round of golf you can relaxat the We‐Ko‐Pa clubhouse, which features scenic indoor or outdoor dining complete with a full‐service bar. Tryyour luck at the nearby Fort McDowell Casino. Fun for the first time player or experienced gamer, the casino



provides state‐of‐the‐art gaming machines,live table and poker games. Relax andrejuvenate by the pool or treat yourself toan afternoon of pampering at the on‐siteAmethyst Spa offering facials, massages andsalon services. If shopping is your passion,then you won't want to miss thisopportunity! You're just a short drive awayfrom one of the most premier shoppingdistricts in the US!

Located on 25,000 acres of private landowned by the Yavapai Nation of NativeAmerican Indians, Fort McDowellAdventures is the perfect location for a funsouthwestern adventure. From horsebackriding through the Verde River to cityslicker cattle drives, you will discover a wide variety of fun things to do in Scottsdale. Guided daytime adventuresare available, plus there's hiking, kayaking, trail rides, Jeep tours, cattle drives and much more fun!

Plenty of things to do! Bring your cowboy boots and embrace the Southwest for the weekend! Enjoy!

Register early for best rates!

Reserve your room today!

About UsThe Academy of Laser Dentistry(ALD) is an internationalprofessional association of dentalpractitioners and supportingorganizations dedicated toimproving the health and well‐beingof patients through the proper use

Contact UsAcademy of Laser DentistryPO Box 8667Coral Springs, Florida 33075954‐346‐3776

Email: [email protected]

Join Our Mailing List

Revised ANSI Z136.3 Safety - Academy of Laser Dentistry · unbiased education for the safe and...

Documents

Transcript of Revised ANSI Z136.3 Safety - Academy of Laser Dentistry · unbiased education for the safe and...