Components of Standard Proficiency include:

  • A Lecture and Hands On Course provided by an ALD Recognized Course Provider (RCP)
  • A Clinical Simulation Exam administered by the RCP
  • And an online 75 question written exam administered by the Academy of Laser Dentistry

Standard Proficiency is the basic level of education in dental laser usage, including specific laser proficiency and laboratory knowledge. Candidates for standard proficiency must demonstrate basic understanding of all wavelengths via an online 75 question multiple choice examination and a clinical simulation proficiency exam, with at least one wavelength. The standard proficiency level defines the standard of care for the dental professional. The standard level of proficiency also forms the base credential for progressing to the Advanced Proficiency level. Successful candidates at the Standard Proficiency level can submit for the advanced examination a minimum of one year after obtaining their Standard Proficiency.  Standard Proficiency courses are held throughout the year by speakers who are ALD Recognized Course Providers.  During any SP course, attendees will take the Clinical Simulation Exam.  The Online 75 question multiple choice examination is only administered through the ALD website and may require an additional exam registration fee. Check with your recognized course provider to determine if the exam fees are included in the course registration or not included.

Pre-Requisites for Standard Proficiency Application

  1. Successful completion of a recognized introduction to lasers course is a mandatory prerequisite for Standard Proficiency Certification. The required hours needed to satisfy this prerequisite are equal to or greater than 2.5 credit hours. The introductory material should be approved at the discretion of the Academy or the Recognize Standard Proficiency Course Provider.
  2. The candidate must own or have access to a dental laser and use it within their scope of practice.

Pre-Requisite for the Standard Proficiency Online Exam

  1. Successful completion of a Standard Proficiency Course and Clinical Simulation Exam provided by an ALD Recognized Course Provider.

IF YOU’VE COMPLETED A STANDARD PROFICIENCY COURSE FROM A RECOGNIZED COURSE PROVIDER AND WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THE ON-LINE EXAMINATION, please click this direct link: Online Standard Proficiency Exam.  You will need to provide your course code and clinical simulation exam wavelength details.

Successful Standard Proficiency Completion
Upon successful completion of the online exam you will receive a letter from the Academy of Laser Dentistry indicating your Continuing Education Credits for the exam. ALD members will receive a Certificate of Successful Completion noting the specific course participation and clinical simulation wavelength. To find out more about membership in the Academy of Laser Dentistry, click here. Applicants for the Standard Proficiency Online Exam and CE credit may join ALD on the exam enrollment application form.

Overall Expected Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Standard Proficiency Examination expected learner outcomes include demonstration of the basic level of education in dental laser usage, including specific laser proficiency and laboratory knowledge. Successful learners demonstrate an understanding of all wavelengths via a 75-question multiple choice written examination and clinical proficiency simulation examination with at least one wavelength. Participants in the Standard Proficiency Online Examination are required to have successfully completed a 12-hour standard proficiency course and clinical simulation examination with an ALD Recognized Course Provider. This level defines the standard of care for the dental professional.