Academy of Laser Dentistry

J O U R N A L O F L A S E R D E N T I S T R Y | 2 011 V O L . 19 , N O . 3
302
L A S E R S A F E T Y
This sign is designated with the
signal word “Notice,” and is typically
blue. This sign should be
conspicuously posted whenever
service is being done on a Class 3B
or 4 laser. The appropriate red
Danger Warning sign for the
specific wavelength must also be
displayed. It is more likely that an
equipment-associated hazard will
occur during service or maintenance
procedures, since protective
housings or other features may be
removed or disabled. Thus, particular
attention must be given in the
form of these additional signs.
Signs give you important information
about the regulations, warn
you about dangerous conditions,
and help you find your way. Signs
use different symbols, colors, and
shapes for easy identification. It is
important that all personnel are
adequately trained to identify
hazardous zones and understand
the various warning signs. It is also
important to document such
Mastis
training in a logbook or safety
checklist. When the environment
changes, signs should conspicuously
change. Understanding the
significance, meaning, and importance
of laser signs will help
improve the safety guidelines for
your workplace and help meet
regulation requirements.
A U T H O R B I O G R A P H Y
Dr. Raminta Mastis graduated from
the University of Illinois College of
Dentistry in 1987. She is a Master
of the Academy of Laser Dentistry.
She has Standard Proficiency certifications
in Er:YAG, diode,
Er,Cr:YSGG, and CO 2 laser wavelengths,
and has achieved Advanced
Proficiency in the Er:YAG wavelength.
She currently serves as the
chair of ALD’s Laser Safety
Committee, serves on the
Certification and Communications
Committees, and serves on the ALD
Board. She maintains a private
dental practice, Michigan Cosmetic
and Laser Dentistry, in St. Clair
Shores, Michigan. She has been
using lasers since 2000, and now
has 18 lasers of various wavelengths
in her practice. Her practice
is highlighted by implant surgery
and restoration, laser dentistry,
esthetic and cosmetic dentistry, and
integration of advanced technologies
into practice. Dr. Mastis may
be contacted by e-mail at
MiLaserDentist@comcast.net.
Disclosure: Dr. Mastis has no
commercial or financial interest relative
to this article.
R E F E R E N C E S
1. American National Standard for
Safe Use of Lasers, ANSI 136.1 –
2007, Section 4.7:48-51. Orlando, FL:
Laser Institute of America, 2007.
2. American National Standard for
Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care,
ANSI Z136.3 – 2011, Section 4.7:28-
29. Orlando, FL: Laser Institute of
America, 2011. nn