[Lasers in dentistry. Epilogue].
Laser use in the dental clinic requires scientifically demonstrated improvement for patient and/or dentist, easily obtainable equipment, adequate training and safety. These aspects are summarized for all laser applications. Improvement has not been shown for all applications. In the Netherlands manufacturer-independent training is little available. Safety requires care, but not a large investment. Economical aspects include an adequate compensation for the necessary investment. For only a few applications laser treatment leads to decreased cost or time of treatment. However, also increased compensation by insurers or patients may be possible; some patients will be willing to pay more when laser treatment is less unpleasant than traditional treatment or, in the case of diagnosis, leads to better information.
ten Bosch
J J
JJ
Faculteit der Medische Wetenschappen, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Postbus 196 9700 AD Groningen. J.J.ten.Bosch@med.rug.nl
D003748:Dental Equipment; D004869:Equipment Safety; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D007834:Lasers / Q000009:adverse effects; D011215:Practice Management, Dental; D017751:Safety Management / Q000191:economics