title: Laser safety officer: a vital role for dental assistants.
abstract: In closing, the LSO is a vital role for dental assistants and one that will expand as laser use increases. The Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD) is your source and resource for information and certification in order to garner this status. Together with the ALD, dental assistants will have the knowledge and skills to implement a successful laser program within individual practices. The members of your profession must not lose this opportunity to further their education. Laser dentistry is gaining acceptance because of the benefits not only to the practice but to patients. Dental assistants can and should provide this vital role in the safe and effective delivery of this technology so that the best care is delivered.
authors.affiliation: Academy of Laser Dentistry, USA.
authors.forename: Janet Hatcher
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Rice
mesh_terms: D003726:Dental Assistants; D004869:Equipment Safety / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers / Q000592:standards*; D017751:Safety Management / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards