Laser safety in dentistry

Abstract

Safety, mainly patient safety, has become the foundation upon which all other aspects of quality health care are built. Since lasers are progressively used in various fi elds of dentistry, laser safety issues have recently become of great importance. Lasers are considered effective but potentially hazardous to the patients, due to their improper use and lack of laser safety awareness. Assuming that use of lasers in dental practice will gradually increase, the aim of this study is to introduce the basics on laser safety in dentistry. Study also serves as a reminder for colleagues, who are or will be laser users, on potential laser hazards, laser safety measures and ways to ensure and improve patient safety in laser dentistry.

Keywords

• dental lasers
• laser hazards
• laser safety