Lasers have been used in dentistry for decades, but they've become smaller, more versatile and more affordable. Many Australian practices now use a diode laser for soft tissue work, and some invest in erbium lasers that can cut tooth structure and bone. For practice owners, the questions are practical: what can a laser do for our patients, what does it cost, and what are our safety and licensing obligations?
This guide answers those questions for Australian practices.
This article is general information for practice owners, not clinical, regulatory or legal advice. Laser regulation differs between states. Check with your state regulator.
Key takeaways
- Different laser types suit different tissues. Diode lasers are mainly for soft tissue, while erbium lasers can treat both hard and soft tissue.
- Lasers can make some procedures more comfortable or efficient, but outcomes depend on training, case selection and technique.
- Dental lasers are typically Class 3B or Class 4 and need proper safety controls under AS/NZS 4173.
- Some states, including Western Australia and Queensland, require licences to use or possess certain lasers.
- Avoid advertising claims like "painless" or "no needles" that could create unreasonable expectations.
Types of dental lasers
Diode lasers
Compact and relatively affordable, diode lasers are used mainly for soft tissue procedures, such as gingival contouring, troughing before impressions, frenectomies, minor soft tissue surgery and some periodontal applications.
Erbium lasers (Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG)
These can cut enamel, dentine and bone as well as soft tissue. They're used for some cavity preparations, bone procedures and soft tissue work. They're larger and considerably more expensive than diodes.
CO2 and Nd:YAG lasers
CO2 lasers are effective for soft tissue surgery. Nd:YAG lasers are used in some periodontal and soft tissue applications. Both are less common in general practice.
Low-level lasers and photobiomodulation
Some devices are marketed for pain relief, healing or desensitisation. Evidence varies by indication, so review it critically.
Potential benefits
- Comfort: some soft tissue procedures may need less anaesthetic or cause less post-operative discomfort, depending on the case
- Haemostasis: many soft tissue lasers coagulate as they cut, which can reduce bleeding
- Efficiency: procedures like troughing or frenectomies can be quick in trained hands
- Patient appeal: some patients prefer laser treatment
Benefits depend heavily on the procedure, the laser and the operator's training. Avoid presenting lasers as better in every case.
Safety: what every practice needs
Most dental lasers are Class 3B or Class 4, meaning the beam, and for Class 4 even diffuse reflections, can injure eyes and skin, and some can ignite materials. The Australian/New Zealand standard AS/NZS 4173 covers the safe use of lasers in health care. The Australian Dental Association also has a policy statement on laser safety in dentistry.
Typical safety requirements include:
- A laser safety officer responsible for the practice's laser safety program
- Protective eyewear specific to each laser's wavelength, for the operator, assistant and patient
- A controlled area with warning signs on the door when the laser is in use
- Written procedures for safe use, maintenance and incidents
- Smoke evacuation for procedures that produce plume
- Training records for everyone who uses the laser
- ARTG listing: make sure the laser is included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods
Licensing in Australia
Laser regulation is state-based and uneven:
- Western Australia: the Radiological Council licenses the use of Class 3B and Class 4 lasers, and premises and lasers must be registered. Licences usually require an approved laser safety course and exam.
- Queensland: dentists need a Class 4 laser use licence from Radiation Health Queensland, typically after completing an accredited course. Some other dental practitioners may use Class 4 lasers within their training and scope under conditions set by the regulator.
- Tasmania has some regulation of medical lasers.
- Other states and territories may not require a specific licence for dental lasers, but the safety standard and professional obligations still apply.
Check the current requirements with your state regulator before you buy, and keep evidence of training.
Training and scope
Laser manufacturers usually provide basic training, but independent courses give broader clinical and safety knowledge. The Dental Board of Australia expects practitioners to work within their training and competence. Each team member using the laser should have appropriate training for the procedures they perform.
The business case
Costs
- The laser itself, which varies widely by type
- Wavelength-specific eyewear
- Tips, fibres and consumables
- Servicing and calibration
- Training and any licence fees
- Time to build proficiency
Making it pay
- Identify the procedures you'll use it for and how often
- Check how the procedures are billed and what health funds cover, using the correct item numbers
- Train the team so the laser is used routinely, not just occasionally
Advertising lasers
Ahpra's advertising rules apply. Avoid claims that create unreasonable expectations, such as "painless", "no needles" or "faster healing" without evidence and context. See Ahpra advertising rules and AI chatbots, which also covers what your website chatbot says about treatments.
Frequently asked questions
Do lasers replace the drill?
Erbium lasers can prepare some cavities, but most practices still use conventional handpieces for many procedures. Lasers complement rather than replace them.
Is laser treatment painless?
Not always. Some procedures may cause less discomfort, but this varies by patient and procedure. Avoid promising pain-free treatment.
Can hygienists and therapists use dental lasers?
It depends on their training, scope of practice and state regulations. Check the rules in your state.
Next steps
List the procedures you'd use a laser for each month and check your state's licensing requirements. For other clinical technology, read our guides to intraoral scanners, CBCT and AI X-ray analysis. To free your team from routine calls while you grow your services, see IntelliDent's AI agents.