AWARENESS AND ACCEPTANCE OF LASERS IN DENTISTRY IN TURKISH POPULATION

Abstract

Background and Aim: Since the researchers` and manufacturers` efforts are mainly based on the perceived desires of patients, it seems imperative that the perception of patients be queried and valued. In this study we seek to illuminate the perception of Turkish dental patients on laser applications and its reflection on the outcomes of dental treatments. The aim of this study is to evaluate the level of comprehension and knowledge of oral surgery patients about “laser assisted oral surgical procedures”. Materials and Methods: Our survey was carried out among 300 voluntary adult patients who applied to Hacettepe University Faculty of Dentistry Department of Oral Surgery seeking oral surgical treatments. Results: Our initial finding is that patients’ knowledge about laser treatments and their superiority over conventional treatment methods is very low. Patients with higher levels of education, university graduates in particular, are the ones to visit a dentist more often and tend to have more information about the usage of lasers in dentistry. Conclusion: At this point we can conclude that dentists should pay more attention to patient awareness and knowledge, informing them not only about the conventional methods of the required treatment but also contemporary approaches, lasers in our case. Well informed patients will have a better vision of the treatment they will be receiving and the alternative ways to get it and therefore act as an important part of utilization of latest advancements in not only dentistry but also all other fields of medicine.