ALABAMA
Diagnostic Lasers Only – VELscope is approved
Soft Tissue Therapeutic Lasers are NOT approved
Permissable duties listed under Dental Hygiene Practice Act:
x) Use laser and/or narrow band (light) imaging technology for preliminary diagnostic purposes only with the dentist’s final examination and diagnosis.
ARIZONA
Q: WHAT ARE THE LASER LAWS IN ARIZONA? STRICT RADIATION CONTROL
Laser Certification is required for dentists and dental hygienists; laser safety training required for ALL, including dental assistants
a dental hygienist shall successfully complete a course of study that meets the following criteria:
Recognized CE provider; Includes didactic instruction with a written examination; Includes hands-on clinical instruction; and Is technology that is scientifically based and supported by studies published in peer reviewed dental journals; Covers minimum laser physics, safety and appropriate use
ARS 12-1281 (D, 2.)
A dentist who supervises a dental hygienist whose duties include the use of emerging scientific technology must have training on the use of the emerging technology that is equal to or greater than the training the dental hygienist is required to obtain
An assistant cannot perform any irreversible procedure; DA covered under the dentists’ direct supervision
ARKANSAS
Laser Certification is required
Regulation §20:43:08:10 prohibits dental assistants from utilizing lasers.
Dental hygienists may use lasers for examination and periodontal treatment. Additionally, a dental hygienist may use lasers for debridement and bacterial reduction following completion of a didactic and hands-on training course.
CALIFORNIA
Laser Certification is recommended for dental hygienists
Article 9, Section 1914
“A hygienist may use any material or device within the scope of their practice, under the appropriate level of supervision, and if they have the appropriate education and training”
COLORADO
Q: WHAT ARE THE LAWS IN COLORADO? NON-STRICT RADIATION CONTROL
Laser Certification is required for dentists and dental hygienists
Board Rule:
12-35-128 page 22: dental hygienists are authorized to perform soft tissue curettage under indirect supervision
Rule XXIV. Use of Lasers
(Adopted January 22, 2015, Effective March 30, 2015; Amended April 30, 2015, Effective June 30, 2015;
Amended April 28, 2016, Effective June 30, 2016; Amended May 3, 2018, Effective July 3, 2018.)
A. The requirements in this rule do not apply to use of non-adjustable laser units for purposes of diagnosis
and curing.
REFERS TO DIAGNODENT AND CURING LIGHT
B. Only a dentist may use a laser capable of the removal of hard and soft tissue in the treatment of a
dental patient.
ALL LASERS ARE CAPABLE OF CUTTING THE SOFT TISSUE, ONLY "ALL TISSUE" LASERS ARE CAPABLE OF CUTTING BOTH HARD AND SOFT TISSUE. THIS IS MEANT TO BE, "ONLY A DENTIST IS CAPABLE OF PERFORMING A PROCEDURE THAT CUTS HARD AND SOFT TISSUE. THIS CAN BE CONFUSING, BUT THE RULES ARE FURTHER EXPOUNDED UPON AND FURTHER CLARIFIES BELOW.
C. Laser use by a dental hygienist can only be performed under the indirect or direct supervision of a
dentist and must be within the dental hygiene scope of practice.
COLORADO HYGIENISTS OPERATE UNDER INDIRECT: MEANING HYGIENISTS CAN USE A LASER WITHOUT THE DENTIST BEING PHYSICALLY PRESENT IN THE OFFICE, SO LONG AS THE MEDICAL HISTORY AND EXAM ARE WITHIN THE YEAR OF (TREATMENT) SERVICES RENDERED. ACCORDING TO THE STATUTE REFERENCED ABOVE, THEY ARE GOOD TO INTENTIONALLY INITIATE AND "CURETTAGE".
D. A licensee who is a laser user or supervises a laser user must first successfully complete training that covers a minimum of eight (8) hours of laser physics, safety, and appropriate use, to include a hands on component, prior to utilizing the laser.
THE TRAINING PROVIDED TO YOU BY DENTAL HYGIENE INTEGRATIONS MEETS/EXCEEDS THIS STANDARD.
1. Training must be obtained through a course provided or recognized by any of the following organizations (or a successor organization):
a. A Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) accredited institution;
b. The American Dental Association (ADA) Continuing Education Recognition Program
(CERP);
c. The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) Program Approval for Continuing Education
(PACE) The training provided to you by Dental Hygiene Integrations meets/exceeds this standard, as we are an AGD Pace credentialed provider; or
d. The American Medical Association (AMA).
2. A licensee utilizing a laser, other than what is described in section A of this rule, must
maintain evidence of training as required in section D(1) of this rule. Upon request of the
Board, the licensee must submit evidence of such training.
3. A licensee must also complete live and interactive training that addresses operation of the
specific laser(s) utilized in the practice.
THE TRAINING PROVIDED TO YOU BY DENTAL HYGIENE INTEGRATIONS MEETS/EXCEEDS THIS STANDARD FOR DIODE AKA SOFT TISSUE LASERS, AS "LIVE" INDICATES YOU ARE PHYSICALLY PRESENT IN THE COURSE AND CAN SPEAK DIRECTLY (FACE TO FACE) WITH THE COURSE INSTRUCTOR/PROVIDER; "SPECIFIC LASER(S)" INDICATES YOU ARE REQUIRED TO OBTAIN TRAINING SPECIFIC TO THE TYPE OF LASER YOU USE. AS STATED AND RECOMMENDED IN CLASS, IF YOU GO ON TO UTILIZE AN "ALL TISSUE LASER" IE. CO2 CARBON DIOXIDE LASER OR ERBIUM CLASS LASERS IE. ND: YAG, ER: YSGG WATERLASE, YOU MUST OBTAIN TRAINING SPECIFIC TO THAT LASER. THE BOARD HAS THE FORESIGHT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT EACH LASER HAS VARIATION IN DEPTH OF PENETRATION, TECHNIQUE, POWER DENSITY, SETTINGS, AND SO ON. PLEASE NOTE: YOUR TRAINING OBTAINED BY DLI COVERS USE OF ALL SOFT TISSUE AKA DIODE LASERS, REGARDLESS OF MODEL/BRAND.
1. Training must be obtained through a course provided or recognized by any of the following organizations (or a successor organization):
a. A Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) accredited institution;
b. The American Dental Association (ADA) Continuing Education Recognition Program
(CERP);
c. The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) Program Approval for Continuing Education
(PACE) The training provided to you by Dental Hygiene Integrations meets/exceeds this standard, as we are an AGD Pace credentialed provider; or
d. The American Medical Association (AMA).
2. A licensee utilizing a laser, other than what is described in section A of this rule, must
maintain evidence of training as required in section D(1) of this rule. Upon request of the
Board, the licensee must submit evidence of such training.
3. A licensee must also complete live and interactive training that addresses operation of the
specific laser(s) utilized in the practice.
FLORIDA
Diagnostic Lasers Only – VELscope is approved
Soft Tissue Therapeutic Lasers are NOT approved
Permissable duties listed under Dental Hygiene Practice Act:
Dental Hygienists may use a laser as an assessment device; Lasers are not permitted for remedial tasks
GEORGIA
Q: WHAT ARE THE LASER LAWS IN GEORGIA?
Diagnostic Lasers Only – VELscope is approved
Soft Tissue Therapeutic Lasers are NOT approved
Rule 150-5-03 Paragraph 11
Only dentists licensed by the Georgia Board of Dentistry shall be authorized to perform procedures involving laser technology which alters tissue, creates thermal effect, or is intended to cut, coagulate, photocoagulate, vaporize, or ablate essentially any soft or hard tissues of the body.
ILLINOIS
Q: WHAT ARE THE LASER LAWS IN ILLINOIS? STRICT RADIATION CONTROL
Laser Certification is required for dental hygienists and dental assistants
(225 ILCS 25/7.5) (Section scheduled to be repealed on Jan. 1, 2026) Sec. 7.5 Emerging scientific technology and applications. In the interest of public safety, the Board may review emerging scientific technology and applications and, when appropriate use and require the appropriate training needed for this technology by dental hygienists and assistants acting under the supervision of a dentist. “Emerging scientific technology” may include without limitation laser treatments and other treatments and potential treatments that, if used incorrectly, could have an adverse effect on patient health and safety. (source: p.a. 96-617, eff. 8-24-09)
INDIANA
Q: WHAT ARE THE LASER LAWS IN ILLINOIS? STRICT RADIATION CONTROL
Lasers Approved for Hygiene: Photobiomodulation Only
Indiana Code Title 25. Professions and Occupations § 25-13-1-10
Current as of June 08, 2021
A licensed dental hygienist may practice dental hygiene in Indiana in the following:
(c) A dental hygienist may use a laser, except to cut, ablate, or cauterize hard or soft tissue to provide treatment to a patient.
MARYLAND
Laser Certification is required for dental hygienists
The Dental Board’s position is that a dental hygienist is permitted to use a laser to facilitate any procedure that is within a dental hygienist’s scope of practice, including curettage. The dental hygienist must be adequately trained, there must exist appropriate protocols for laser use in the office, and the manufacturer’s recommendations should be followed.
MASSACHUSETTS
Laser Certification for Dentists and Hygienists is required; Laser Safety Officer Training is required
Delegation to dental auxiliaries may only occur when both the supervising dentist and registered dental hygienist obtain proper training on the use of dental laser devices, and use the devices within their licensed scope of practice, training and experience. Guidance for the profession for safe dental laser use is provided by American National Standards Institute Standard Z136.1 Safe Use of Lasers and Z136.3 Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care Facilities. Specific training is also available from manufacturers, and via independent providers of continuing education, including professional organizations and academic institutions. Continuing education programs/presenters should address and disclose possible conflicts of interest. At the present time, the ADA’s Commission on Dental Accreditation does not include laser education in its accreditation standards for dental education programs. However, proposed educational standards are available (e.g., Academy of Laser Dentistry’s Curriculum Guidelines and Standards for Dental Laser Education).
Adopted by the Board April 3, 2013
GO TO PAGE ON MASSACHUSETTS BOARD OF DENTISTRY
Assistants MAY NOT USE DIAGNOSTIC OR PERIODONTIC NON-CUTTING LASERS
SEE PAGE 64 FOR PROHIBITED DUTIES RE: LASERS
MICHIGAN
Laser Use for Dentists and Hygienists is permitted; does NOT specify Laser Certification is required
Use of Laser Equipment by Health Professionals
Position Statement of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
(formerly the Michigan Department of Community Health)
Lasers are recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as medical devices. Their use constitutes a medical or dental practice, as further explained below.
Laser use falls within the definition of the practice of medicine in the Public Health Code because they are used for the “diagnosis, treatment, prevention, cure, or relieving of a human disease, ailment, defect, complaint, or other physical or mental condition by attendance, advice, device, diagnostic test, or other means…”
A thorough review of the laser literature, Public Health Code provisions and applicable FDA guidelines shows that dentists may also use FDA-approved lasers for patient care within the scope of their licensure.
The FDA has not approved the use of lasers for smoking cessation. While the FDA has granted investigational device exemptions for some lasers for use in smoking cessation, this is restricted to FDA-approved clinical trials.
A physician/dentist may delegate the use of laser equipment to a licensed or unlicensed individual if the delegated individual works under the physician/dentist’s supervision. In this context, supervision, as defined by the Public Health Code, requires at least all of the following:
• Acknowledgment by the physician/dentist that the delegated individual has the appropriate education, training or experience to properly use lasers.
• Continuous availability of direct communication in person, or by radio, telephone or other telecommunication, between the physician/dentist and the delegated individual.
• Regularly scheduled availability of the physician/dentist to consult, educate, and review the records and practice of the delegated individual in laser use.
• Development by the physician/dentist of written procedures and protocols to guide the delegated individual’s laser use.
Physician/dentists must adhere to these supervision requirements. As the delegated individual works under the authority of a license, the licensed physician/dentist is ultimately responsible for the outcome of the tasks and duties performed by the delegated individual.
12/5/05
MINNESOTA
Laser Certification is recommended
Regarding lasers, the Minnesota Board of Dentistry regulates the dental procedure that the dental hygienist can perform, and not what type of instrumentation or equipment is being used to perform that procedure. For example in Minnesota, a dental hygienist is allowed to perform debridement, prophylaxis, and nonsurgical periodontal therapy on a patient. Therefore, a laser could be used by a dental hygienist if one of the aforementioned procedures were being performed by the dental hygienist.
The Board has no specific regulations on obtaining certification to operate a laser but suggests that you retain any certification or documentation of laser training in case the Board would ever ask for proof of training in a complaint matter. The same information pertains to dentists and dental assistants.
As for dental assistants, they CANNOT perform procedures are not within their scope of practice.
Kathy T. Johnson, L.D.A., B.A.
Legal Analyst
Minnesota Board of Dentistry
Adopted by the Board April 3, 2013
GO TO PAGE ON MASSACHUSETTS BOARD OF DENTISTRY
Assistants MAY NOT USE DIAGNOSTIC OR PERIODONTIC NON-CUTTING LASERS
NEW JERSEY
Diagnostic Lasers Only – VELscope is approved
Soft Tissue Therapeutic Lasers are NOT approved
Board of Dentistry
13:30-1A.4 SCOPE OF PRACTICE OF LICENSED DENTAL HYGIENIST UNDER GENERAL SUPERVISION
(20) Assess whether there is carious activity by the use of detecting agents and carious detection instruments. Such instruments shall not include lasers that are capable of altering, cutting, burning, or damaging hard or soft tissue;
Chapter 30
Page 19 of 127 Last Revision Date: 06/20/2022
https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/regulations/Chapter-30-New-Jersey-Board-of-Dentistry.pdf
NEW MEXICO
Q: WHAT ARE THE LASER LAWS IN NEW MEXICO? NON-STRICT RADIATION CONTROL
Laser Certification is required for dental hygienists
16.5.29.12 Therapeutic Use of Lasers:
the board does not issue permits for the use of lasers by hygienists. lasers by dental hygienists, the committee and board sets forth the following requirements:
a NM dental hygienist may use laser devices that are approved by the FDA under the indirect supervision of a NM licensed dentist;
the rdh must successfully complete an educational program on laser use that is a minimum of 6 hours and includes hands-on clinical simulation training; the course shall comply with current guidelines as outlined in 16.5.1.15 NMAC for continuing education;
a certificate of successful course completion from the dental laser training entity shall be posted in a conspicuous location within the dental facility
all promotion or advertising of dental laser treatment shall comply with current requirements as outlined in supervision of the laser procedure;
dental laser treatment shall not be designated to the dental assistant
NEW YORK
No Regulation State
Laser usage is not mentioned in the dental hygiene practice act; at this time lasers are not prohibited for dental hygiene
OREGON
No Regulation State
Laser usage is not mentioned in the dental hygiene practice act; at this time lasers are not prohibited for dental hygiene
PENNSYLVANIA
Laser Certification is required for Dentists
Dental Hygiene Laser Usage: Under Review
49 Pa. Code § 33.215. Use of lasers in the dental office—statement of policy.
(a) Background and purpose. The use of lasers in experimental and institutional settings has raised questions with regard to using this technology in the dental office. In addressing this issue, the Board has been mindful of its principal mandate: protection of the public. Section 4.1(a)(8) and (9) of the act (63 P. S. § 123.1(a)(8) and (9)) authorizes the Board to take disciplinary action against licensees who engage in unprofessional conduct or who commit acts of negligence, incompetence or malpractice. The use of lasers may implicate both provisions by, for example, generating complaints of incompetent treatment or treatment that fails to conform to acceptable standards of practice. The Board offers the following guidelines to assist its licensees in conforming their behavior to the act. In a disciplinary action brought against a dentist for treatment involving a laser, the Board will consider whether these guidelines were followed.
(b) Guidelines. A dentist who uses a laser in private practice shall:
(1) Be familiar with and conform to regulations on lasers promulgated by the Food and Drug Administration.
(2) Possess clinical competency in the use of lasers. The Board recommends a minimum of 6 hours of instruction given by an accredited institution or by a manufacturer of lasers sponsored by such an institution. The instruction should include hands-on training and should cover all known risks to patients, staff and the practitioner.
Source
The provisions of this § 33.215 adopted June 23, 1995, effective June 24, 1995, 25 Pa.B. 2492.
SOUTH CAROLINA
A dental hygienist may only use a laser under the direct supervision of a dentist, and the hygienist’s use of the laser must be limited to pocket disinfection at settings that preclude hard and soft tissue removal, except for incidental gingival curettage.
Section 39-9 – Use of Lasers in a Dental Setting
A. The requirements contained herein do not apply to the use of non-adjustable laser units used for the purposes of diagnosis and curing.
B. Only a dentist may employ a laser capable of the removal of hard and/or soft tissue in the treatment of a dental patient.
C. A dental hygienist may only use a laser under the direct supervision of a dentist, and the hygienist’s use of the laser must be limited to pocket disinfection at settings that preclude hard and soft tissue removal, except for incidental gingival curettage.
D. Use of a laser:
(1) Prior to utilizing a laser, a licensee must first successfully complete training that covers, at a minimum, laser physics, safety, and appropriate use of the laser. A licensee must also complete an interactive training that addresses operation of the specific laser(s) utilized in the practice. The initial training must include a minimum of 12 hours of instruction and must be obtained through a course provided or recognized by any of the following organizations (or a successor organization):
(a) The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA);
(b) The American Dental Association (ADA) Continuing Education Recognition Program (CERP);
(c) The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) Program Approval for Continuing Education (PACE); or
(d) The American Medical Association (AMA).
A dental licensee who has more than three (3) years of experience using lasers is exempt from the training requirements set forth in Reg. 39-9 provided that the three (3) years of experience is obtained prior to January 1, 2021.
(2) A licensee utilizing a laser, other than what is described in Section A, must maintain evidence of training as required herein and submit such evidence to the Board upon request.
(3) All lasers must be used in accordance with accepted safety guidelines
E. When utilizing a laser pursuant to this Section, the licensee must document the following information, at a minimum, in the patient’s record:
(1) the type of laser utilized, to include the wavelength of the laser;
(2) the settings used, such as pulse or continuous wave, and the power setting;
(3) local anesthesia used, if any; and
(4) the procedure attempted/performed, including details as to whether hard or soft tissue was removed.
S.C. Code Regs. 39-9
Added by State Register Volume 45, Issue No. 05, eff. May 28, 2021.
TENNESSEE
Laser Certification is required for dental hygienists
TENNESSEE BOARD OF DENTISTRY POLICY STATEMENT ON USE OF LASERS FOR DEBRIDEMENT AND BACTERIAL REDUCTION BY DENTAL HYGIENISTS
The position of the Tennessee Board of Dentistry is that the use of lasers for debridement and bacterial reduction by licensed dental hygienists is permitted after successful completion of a course which should include didactic and hands-on training.
Adopted by the Board of Dentistry on September 9, 2011. Amended by the Board of Dentistry on June 20, 2014.
Dental hygienists may use lasers as long as the procedure is not irreversible or involves intentional cutting. Prior to using lasers, dental hygienist must complete at least 12 hours of continuing education related to laser use. Dental hygienists may perform laser bleaching and laser periodontal debridement.
TEXAS
: WHAT ARE THE LASER LAWS IN TEXAS? STRICT RADIATION CONTROL
Laser Certification is required for dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants; laser safety training required for ALL, including dental assistants
a dental hygienist shall successfully complete a course of study that meets the following criteria:
1. 12 hours of in-person cont. ed. In laser utilization specific to the procedures to be performed by the dental hygienist using the laser
2. 3 of the 12 hours must include clinical simulation laser training similar to the procedures to be performed by the dental hygienist
3. Must be provided by an educational course provider recognized by the Board
4. Dental hygienists must maintain documentation of the satisfactory completion of the required continuing education courses
Dental hygienists may use lasers in the practice of dental hygiene under the direct supervision of a dentist, so long as they do not perform any procedure that is irreversible or involves the intentional cutting of soft or hard tissue
Use of lasers by dental hygienists must be in accordance with the minimum standard of care and limited to the dental hygienists scope of practice
A dentist who supervises a dental hygienist in the use of lasers must have laser education and training sufficient to adequately supervise the dh, including but not limited to meeting the continuing education requirements required of the dental hygienist…the delegating dentist is responsible for all dental acts delegated by the dh, including use of lasers.
VIRGINIA
18VAC60-25-40. Scope of practice C. The following duties shall only be delegated to dental hygienists under direction and may only be performed under indirect supervision:
1. Scaling, root planing, or gingival curettage of natural and restored teeth using hand instruments, slow-speed rotary instruments, ultrasonic devices, and nonsurgical lasers with any sedation or anesthesia administered.
2. Performing an initial examination of teeth and surrounding tissues including the charting of carious lesions, periodontal pockets, or other abnormal conditions for assisting the dentist in the diagnosis.
3. Administering nitrous oxide or local anesthesia by dental hygienists qualified in accordance with the requirements of 18VAC60-25-100.
WEST VIRGINIA
Laser Certification is required for dental hygienists; application required
The WVBOD has recently added to the Practice Act for Hygienists, the “use of a laser, provided the wavelength is limited to no higher than 1064 nanometers, for laser bacterial reduction, laser-assisted periodontal therapy, other non-surgical periodontal therapeutic treatments, photobiomodulation (adjunctive low-level laser therapy) and treatment of herpetic lesions and aphthous ulcers after successful completion of a board-approved course and under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist (5.1.14). A hygienist shall apply for a certificate from the Board to provide non-surgical periodontal treatment with the use of a laser using a form prescribed by the Board. The application fee shall be equal to the local anesthesia application fee as set forth in the Board’s rule, Fees Established by the Board, 5CSR3 (5.1.14.a).”
Non-Surgical Laser Therapy for Hygienists
Course outline, objectives, evaluation mechanism and curriculum vitae of the faculty member must be submitted to the Board and receive approval prior to the date of the scheduled course.
The program of education shall include a minimum of five and 1/2 (5.5) hours of didactic instruction and successful completion of a written examination by a score of at least 75%. Following successful completion of didactic instruction and exam, clinical competence will be assessed through hands-on training
Objectives for the didactic instruction must include:
1. Review of patient’s medical history to determine any contraindications
2. Review of infection control, standard precautions, and transfer of diseases
3. Periodontal tissues, dental anatomy, and nomenclature
4. Rationale for performing Non-surgical Periodontal Laser therapy
5. Beneficial and adverse effects of Non-surgical Periodontal Laser Therapy
6. Soft Tissue vs Hard Tissue Lasers
7. Laser Physics
8. Laser Safety for patients and staff
9. Patient Management
10. Proper Technique for approved use of Non-surgical Periodontal Laser Therapy including laser bacterial reduction, laser assisted periodontal therapy, photobiomodulation, and treatment of herpetic lesions/aphthous ulcers
11. Proper Coding Protocol
12. Procedures to follow in case of medical emergencies
13. Dental ethics, jurisprudence and legal understanding of procedures allowed by each dental team member.
Clinical competency will be assessed by demonstrating proficiency in approved procedures in 2.5 hours of hands-on training.
The licensed dentist assigning expanded duties to a dental hygienist is solely responsible for evaluating the dental hygienist to determine that he or she is competent to handle assigned duties. No licensed dentist shall assign additional duties to a dental hygienist until he or she is assured that the dental hygienist is fully competent and completely qualified to perform the assigned expanded duty or duties for Non-surgical Periodontal Laser Therapy.
After satisfying the Board’s requirements, certification will be given, and a dental hygienist may provide Non-surgical Periodontal Laser Therapy under the direct supervision of a dentist after delegated to do so.
Amended 10.2022
WISCONSIN
Q: WHAT ARE THE LASER LAWS IN WISCONSIN?
Laser Certification is required for dental hygienists
Ruling 447.06(2)(b)(c,d)(e)
Scope of practice adjunct device to SRP; training necessary with hands-on portion; Must be from a recognized provider “ce entity”; Must maintain satisfactory records completion
If you do not see your state listed, or you have questions: email us! Elaine@DentalLaserIntegrations.com