Laser Safety 101: Top 10 Questions Dentists Ask About Laser Protection

/in
ErgoPractice News – May/June 2025
By Innovative Optics
sales@innovativeoptics.com

Summary

Protect your most valuable tools — your eyes — with laser safety solutions you can trust. SurgiTel and Innovative Optics have teamed up to deliver U.S.-made, certified laser protection integrated into precision dental loupes and eyewear. Learn the top 10 things every dentist needs to know about laser safety — and discover why protecting your vision has never been easier.

Protect Your Vision

Today’s dental professionals use lasers for everything from soft tissue procedures to teeth whitening — and the technology keeps advancing. But with innovation comes new responsibility. Your eyes are one of your most valuable tools — and one of the most vulnerable to laser exposure.

You already have a lot to worry about. Don’t let your eye safety be one of them.

At SurgiTel, we’ve partnered with Innovative Optics — a leader in laser safety solutions — to offer you the highest quality laser protection integrated into your dental loupes. Together, we bring you world-class technology and a deep commitment to your safety and success.

Here’s what you need to know about laser safety in dentistry — the Top 10 Questions we hear most often:

Question #1

Why is laser eye protection so important in dentistry?

Answer: Dental lasers emit highly concentrated light energy that can cause permanent eye damage — even during brief exposures. Protective eyewear is a critical line of defense for you, your team, and your patients.

Question #2

What types of lasers require eye protection?

Answer: Whether you’re using diode lasers, CO₂ lasers, Er:YAG, or Nd:YAG systems, eye protection designed for your specific wavelength is essential. Each laser type carries different risks, and each requires properly matched eyewear.

Question #3

How do I know if my eyewear is properly certified?

Figure 1: Certification details are marked on every product.

Answer: Look for laser safety eyewear that meets ANSI Z136 standards. At SurgiTel, every product we provide is certified, tested, and verified to meet the highest industry requirements. Innovative Optics specifically marks all the certification details directly on every product — including the protection level and the exact wavelength ranges covered (Figure 1). This labeling is not just good practice — it’s a legal requirement. Any legitimate laser safety eyewear must clearly state the protection specifications so you can be sure you’re getting the right coverage for your laser system.

Question #4

Do regular safety glasses or sunglasses offer enough protection?

Answer: No. Ordinary eyewear is not designed to filter laser energy at specific wavelengths and could give you a dangerous false sense of security. Only laser-rated protective eyewear can truly safeguard your vision.

Question #5

What does Optical Density (OD) mean, and why does it matter?

Answer: OD measures how much laser light is blocked by the lens. Higher OD values mean greater protection. You must match the OD rating to your laser’s power output and wavelength to ensure full safety.

Understanding Shade Number and Optical Density for Laser Safety
  • Shade Number: Indicates the amount of light radiation allowed through a filter lens; a higher shade number means a darker lens and less light passing through.
  • This concept parallels Optical Density (OD) in eyewear, where a higher OD similarly allows less light to pass through for increased protection.

Question #6

How does SurgiTel integrate laser safety into loupes?

Answer: Thanks to our collaboration with Innovative Optics, we now offer loupes with built-in laser safety filters — ensuring you don’t have to compromise between precision and protection. It’s the seamless way to work safely without sacrificing visibility or comfort.

Question #7

Are laser safety glasses one-size-fits-all?

Answer: Definitely not. A proper fit ensures maximum coverage, comfort, and clear vision. That’s why our laser safety solutions come in a variety of designs — ergonomically engineered for the unique needs of dental professionals.

Question #8

How often should I replace my laser safety eyewear?

Answer: Inspect your eyewear regularly for scratches, cracks, or fading. Any damage can compromise protection. Depending on use, laser exposure, and wear, we recommend replacing your laser safety eyewear every 2–3 years, or sooner if any damage is detected.

Question #9

Is it necessary for my entire team to wear laser protection?

Answer: Absolutely. Anyone present in the operatory during laser use — including assistants and hygienists — must wear appropriate laser safety eyewear designed for the specific wavelength being used.

Question #10

Why choose SurgiTel and Innovative Optics for laser protection?

Answer: When it comes to protecting your eyes, trust matters. Innovative Optics has been a trusted leader in laser safety solutions for over 30 years. As a family-owned, veteran-founded company, they take pride in offering U.S.-made, precision-crafted products that meet the highest standards of performance, compliance, and safety.

By partnering with Innovative Optics, SurgiTel now offers you an even stronger line of defense — backed by full certification labeling, advanced materials, and trusted engineering.

Together, we help ensure you and your team are protected — so you can focus on what matters most: your patients.

Your Focus Should Be Your Patients — We’ll Help Protect Your Vision

At SurgiTel, your safety isn’t an afterthought — it’s our priority. Explore our new line of laser-safe loupes and protective eyewear today and work with confidence, knowing your vision is protected by the very best in the industry.