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Tiffany Shahparast, DDS
Pedistric Dentail Resident
One Brooklyn Health
One Brooklyn Health
NY, Virginia, United States
Nicolas Katchen, DDS
one brooklyn health
Brooklyn, New York, United States
Tinnysha Chopra, DDS
Program Director
One Brooklyn Health
Brooklyn, New York, United States
Purpose: To evaluate the prevalence of laser usage among pediatric dentists and residents, identify the types of procedures performed with lasers on pediatric patients, and assess the perceived impact on appointment duration and patient behavior.
Methods: A survey was distributed to members of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), targeting practicing pediatric dentists and pediatric dental residents. The survey assessed laser utilization, procedures performed with lasers, and perceived outcomes related to appointment efficiency and patient behavior.
Results: Survey responses indicated that lasers are most commonly used in private practice, primarily for soft tissue procedures. The majority of dentists reported no significant reduction in appointment time or improvement in patient behavior as measured by Frankl scores. Additionally, many practitioners had concerns regarding the cost and maintenance of laser equipment.
Conclusion: Laser use in pediatric dentistry remains relatively limited, with mixed opinions on its value. While some practitioners view it as a worthwhile investment for patient care, others feel the cost and upkeep outweigh the benefits. Further large-scale studies are warranted to more definitively assess the clinical and behavioral benefits of laser use in pediatric dentistry.