title: Laser safety in dentistry.
abstract: Although many regulations and standards relating to laser safety are in effect, there continue to be an average of 35 laser injuries per year. Laser safety professionals believe that this number under-represents the actual number of injuries and that many more accidents per year occur that are not documented with federal agencies. A review of these accidents has determined that failing to wear available eye protection is one of the most frequent contributing factors to laser injuries. As the purchase and use of lasers in dentistry continues to grow, so must concern for laser safety. This article provides basic information to advance the safe use of lasers in dentistry and to help establish laser safety protocols for the dental office.
authors.affiliation: Academy of Laser Dentistry, Dental Auxiliary School, Santa Rosa Junior College, California, USA.
authors.forename: Caroline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sweeney
mesh_terms: D000056:Accident Prevention; D002056:Burns / Q000517:prevention & control; D003729:Dental Care; D004867:Equipment Design; D004869:Equipment Safety; D005126:Eye Burns / Q000517:prevention & control; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control; D005135:Eye Protective Devices; D005390:Fires / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D019552:Infection Control, Dental; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D007834:Lasers / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000145:classification; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000009:adverse effects; D012449:Safety; D017751:Safety Management; D012867:Skin / Q000293:injuries; D009626:Terminology as Topic
chemical_list: D052638:Particulate Matter