Soft-Tissue Lasers In Dental Hygiene

The uses benefits of soft-tissue lasers in dental hygiene practice are myriad. Lasers are used for more effective debridement, scaling and planning, with less pain and bleeding. Hygienists can detect sub- and supra-gingival calculus, remove the bacteria in pockets, and remove granulation, among other treatments.

Soft-tissue Lasers in Dental Hygiene is the first book to explain laser use in periodontal therapy. Authors Jessica Blayden and Angie Mott are registered dental hygienists who have been using laser therapy in their dental hygiene practices for several years, and here they share their experience. Blayden and Mott begin by discussing laser history, physics, components, and safety. They then describe the specifics of periodontal therapy—what lasers can be used for, how to implement them, techniques, and protocols. The authors also present case studies that demonstrate how treatment plans are implemented for varying levels of periodontal disease. The authors conclude with chapters on patient communication and practice management.

Jessica Blayden, RDH, has been a hygienist for 11 years practicing in San Diego CA, and now in Utah. She is a member of the Academy of Laser Dentistry and on the Auxillary Board; in addition she also has her Standard Proficiency and is working on the third part of the Advanced Proficiency with the Academy of Laser Dentistry. She has completed Mastership status in the World Clinical Laser Institute in the area of diode lasers. Jessica speaks and conducts hygiene Soft Tissue Diode Certification Courses for Perio Laser Institute and provides Continuing Education as a PACE provider all throughout the country and Canada. She also speaks for a variety of other laser manufacturers, hygiene companies and conducts in-office training for private dental practices.

Angie Mott, RDH, has been a clinical hygienist for more than 20 years and has been working with lasers since 2000. She is a member of the Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD), where she obtained her Advanced level proficiency, her Educator Status and received her ALD Recognized Course Provider in 2007 and her Mastership with ALD in 2008. She currently serves as Auxiliary Chair for the ALD Board of Directors and serves on the Regulatory Affairs, Education, Membership, Advertising and the Scientific Sessions Committees. Angie is a past presenter for the ALD, Oklahoma Dental Association, Arkansas State Dental Board, Kentucky Dental Association, RDH Under one Roof, as well as several others. Angie teaches in-office laser certification courses for private offices throughout the United States and Canada, as well as for Las Vegas institute (LVI) in Las Vegas, NV.