Lynn Atkinson Biography

Lynn Atkinson, RDH, has over 35 years of clinical experience as a registered dental hygienist, with a career dedicated to advancing patient care through technology and education. A graduate of Cypress College, she earned her Associate Fellowship with the World Clinical Laser Institute in 1996 and has since achieved both Standard and Advanced Proficiency Certifications with the Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD). Lynn is deeply committed to comprehensive periodontal care, integrating diagnostics, Guided Biofilm Therapy, and adjunctive laser protocols into everyday practice.

In addition to her four days a week in clinical care, Lynn lectures nationally, provides hands-on training, and serves as a U.S. trainer and speaker for EMS Guided Biofilm Therapy. She is an active leader within ALD, serving on its Board of Directors as Auxiliary Chair and contributing to multiple committees. Recognized for her clinical excellence and educational impact, she has received the ALD Leon Goldman Clinical Excellence Award (2022) and the Western Society of Periodontology Hygiene Speaker of the Year Award (2024).

Presentation Title

“LASER FOCUSED HYGIENE: Elevating Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy Through Diagnostics and Lasers”

Effective periodontal care begins with comprehensive diagnostics, including charting, radiographs, staging, and grading to establish an accurate diagnosis. Non-surgical periodontal therapy (scaling and root planing, SRP) remains the cornerstone of treatment, providing the foundation for disease control and tissue healing. When diagnostics reveal persistent bleeding, residual pocketing, or systemic risk factors, adjunctive therapies may be indicated. Diode lasers offer an evidence-based, minimally invasive adjunct that enhances SRP through bacterial reduction, selective tissue interaction, and photobiomodulation. This course will guide clinicians in aligning diagnostics with treatment protocols, reinforcing SRP as the gold standard, and incorporating diode lasers safely and effectively to optimize outcomes.

Presentation Objectives

1. Use Diagnostics to Guide Care – Explain how comprehensive periodontal evaluation (charting, radiographs, staging/grading) determines treatment protocols.
2. Reinforce SRP as the Gold Standard – Review the role of scaling and root planing as the primary therapy for managing periodontal disease.
3. Incorporate Diode Lasers as an Adjunct – Describe how diode lasers, when guided by diagnostic findings, can enhance NSPT through bacterial reduction, selective debridement, and improved healing.

Page last updated 9:43 AM, February 3, 2026