Two of the most common questions practitioners ask when inquiring about the LANAP® Protocol are what sets the PerioLase MVP-7 apart from other dental lasers in the market, and why is the training process so intensive once you’ve purchased one? The answers are closely related, as Millennium Dental believes that training is the key that sets everything in motion for a clinician’s success using the LANAP® Protocol.
While the specific configuration of the PerioLase® certainly plays a crucial role in its ability to successfully treat periodontitis, the hands-on training that all LANAP® clinicians must complete is also vital to success. Below are a few of the reasons why training is required for LANAP® clinicians.
A calibrated curriculum with certified instructors in an intimate setting
The learning environment of the LANAP® Protocol is carefully crafted so that all students have the opportunity to learn the science of why LANAP® treatment works, ask questions, and obtain the skills to effectively perform the protocol. All instructors are required to undergo a calibration process by the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry (the IALD) – meaning the instructors have to do intensive training before they lead students’ intensive training!
These factors ensure that students are getting the same experience and quality of education regardless of who they receive their training from. Consistent, calibrated training means consistent, positive results.
There’s no substitute for hands-on training
One of the biggest advantages to LANAP® training as opposed to other laser education courses is the involvement of live patients. Under the careful eye of a certified instructor in groups of three, you will see firsthand how to perform the protocol on a real person instead of a pig jaw or other inanimate object. This will give you an idea of what to expect before, during, and after treatment, as you get to see the patient’s healing results the following day – and marvel at the lack of pain those patients generally report!
Live tissue behaves differently from dead tissue on pig jaws. Getting the tactile sensations of the protocol down is also a crucial way to approach the learning process and be successful once you return to your office and begin using it on your own patients.
Organizing hands-on training isn’t easy, nor inexpensive – the IALD even maintains training patients for a full 12 months following initial treatment. However, it’s the right thing to do.
Performing the protocol wrong could have legal repercussions
Because there is a standard of care affiliated with the LANAP® Protocol during and after treatment, performing the protocol wrong or without proper training could spell trouble for both you and your patients. Costly lawsuits from botched procedures will likely add up to more than the initial price of training, not to mention the danger of malpractice claims.
Notably, many states already require training for dental hygienists who plan to use laser technology – yet, there isn’t the same standard of training for dentists! Like many other dental lasers, the PerioLase MVP-7 is a class III medical device that can only be sold to licensed dentists. However, many dental laser companies do not require training, and some don’t even offer in-person courses. Lack of training opens up a greater chance of patient injury and practice liability. You wouldn’t put a 16 year-old behind the wheel of a car without training – the same principles apply to why training is required for LANAP® clinicians.
A full 12-month training process
Another element unique to the LANAP® training process is the duration of time. Over the course of 12 months, the clinician is required to attend five days of training. The first three days are consecutive, and the other two days are at the six and 12 month marks. The PerioLase MVP-7 isn’t even shipped to the clinician until they successfully complete the first three days of training.
Each time the clinician comes through training, their skill in performing the LANAP® Protocol is evaluated by a different calibrated instructor. This feedback loop is completely unique in dental laser training. By having the dentist check in throughout the first 12 months, we can ensure the clinician is correctly performing the treatment protocol or counsel on needed adjustments. Many clinicians opt to return for refresher evaluations years after they have completed training simply to make sure they are still following the protocol and obtaining the best results for their patients.
The best interest of both patients and future LANAP® clinicians alike, quite frankly, is the reason why live-patient training is required for LANAP® clinicians. Millennium Dental is passionate that a treatment modality like the LANAP® Protocol and tool as powerful as the PerioLase MVP-7 must have a calibrated curriculum to go along with it – ensuring that clinicians can achieve the incredible bone-regenerating results that patients want and need without risk.
Are you ready to take the leap and become LANAP® certified? Check out upcoming training dates to get started.
