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Gail Siminovsky, CAE
Group Dentistry Now (GDN) recently sat down with Gail Siminovsky, CAE, Executive Director at the Academy of Laser Dentistry, to discuss their new DSO initiative: The DSO Laser Training Program (DLTP).
The Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD) is devoted to clinical education, research, and the development of standards and guidelines for the safe and effective use of dental laser technology for better patient outcomes. The ALD is the only independent and unbiased non-profit association devoted to laser dentistry.
Since 1993, ALD membership has included clinicians, academicians, researchers and manufacturers. More recently, the ALD expanded its membership to include DSOs and group practices.
GDN: The ALD recently launched a new initiative – the DSO Laser Training Program(DLTP). What prompted you to develop and launch this program?
Siminovsky: The growth of DSOs and group practices have changed the face of dentistry. ALD’s mission is to promote laser adoption, proficiency and safety throughout dentistry to ensure better patient outcomes. This latest initiative is fully aligned with our mission.
GDN: What value does ALD deliver to DSOs and group practices?
Siminovsky: When it comes to laser dentistry, the ALD can help address challenges currently facing rapidly growing group practices including technology adoption, standardization, scalability and new associate on-boarding.
GDN: Can you provide more detail?
Siminovsky: Certainly. When it comes to evaluating laser technology and whether or not a DSO should adopt it, the ALD can provide evidence-based, product neutral clinical information to assist in their investigation of lasers. Although we won’t make specific manufacturer recommendations, we will recommend the type of laser or laser frequency they should purchase based on their clinical and business objectives. Engaging with the ALD can be a dental group’s first step towards making a sound laser technology investment.
GDN: Once a DSO or group practice commits to the purchase of a specific laser device, how do they roll it out across the entire organization and ensure that their dental teams are proficient in laser use and safety while providing the highest level of care?
Siminovsky: Laser manufacturers do a great job of providing device-specific training. Is that enough? The ALD’s standard training and advanced proficiency certifications are recognized the world over as the gold standard. We can help train a dental group’s laser safety officers. ALD offers group options for laser certification courses and basic laser education.
In this climate of rapid growth and acquisitions, scalability is always a concern. ALD can assist with a DSO’s or group’s laser training and certification to ensure each location is delivering the highest level of laser therapy to its patients.
With the high debt load of new dental school graduates, many are turning to DSOs for employment. The fact is, that many new dentists receive little to no laser training in dental school. How does a laser-equipped DSO onboard new hires so that they are proficient in laser use? Once again, the ALD can assist.
For example, the ALD recently created a web-based training and certification resource that contains several learning modules that can be accessed 24/7.
GDN: What are some of the specific benefit components of the DSO Laser Training Program (DLTP)?
Siminovsky: There are quite a few:
- Special Corporate Membership Classification
- Onsite Training & Certification Program Options for Dental Teams
- Web-Based Training and Certification Options for Dental Teams
- Train the Trainer Programs
- Group Discounts for Attending ALD Annual Conferences
- Group Discounts for Individual ALD Memberships
GDN: Does the ALD have any DSO success stories?
Siminovsky: Yes. ALD collaborates with Heartland Dental for dental laser educational and certification throughout the year across the USA. ALD welcomed Heartland associates during our most recent annual conference and exhibition in Dallas April, 2019. In 2020 the ALD Dentistry’s Laser Meeting will take place from April 2nd – 4th in San Diego, where ALD and Heartland will partner in group registrations once again.
What’s more, we recently became Association Partners with the ADSO (Association of Dental Service Organizations) and hope to collaborate on laser-oriented lectures, workshops and webinars in the upcoming year. ALD’s leadership also participated in the 2019 “Partnering in Growth” conference. It is our goal to learn more about the unique challenges of DSOs and to improve DLTP accordingly, including developing custom programs if required.
GDN: How can DSOs interested in laser training and certification contact the ALD?
Siminovsky: DSO teams can download the DLTP opportunity chart by sending an email with the subject line “Laser DSO” to MemberServices@LaserDentistry.org. DSOs executives can also contact ALD president and DSO committee chair, Dr. Mel Burchman, via email at mel712a@aol.com.
About Gail Siminovsky:
Ms. Siminovsky is a leadership professional as executive director of the Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD). Gail serves the ALD Board as an advisor with 20 years in leadership experience and 28 years in marketing, public relations, educational program development and business. She maintains the credential Certified Association Executive (CAE) from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). Ms. Siminovsky is honored as the 2019 Florida Society of Association Executives Executive of the Year and also serves on FSAE’S Board of Directors. Gail is a member of the ADA’s Committee on Dental Meetings and the National Coalition of General Dental Organizations. Disclosure: Ms. Siminovsky is a salaried employee of the Academy of Laser Dentistry. She has no other financial affiliations or personal conflicts of interest. Contact: Gail may be reached by email siminovsky@laserdentistry.org.
Learn more about the ALD’s 2019 meeting:
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