Trends in Usage of Dental Lasers and iIts Perception Amongst Dental Surgeons of Northwest India - A Cross Sectional Survey

Abstract 
    Background: Despite being around since 1960s in the field of medicine, the acceptance of Lasers is still limited in dental practices. This study is to evaluate the prevalence of Lasers, its practice for periodontal procedures in dental clinics of Delhi NCR and Chandigarh Tricity (North-West India region) and to assess the perception of dental surgeons towards training, patient acceptance, and possible trend in usage in a post COVID 19 era. 
    Methods: An online, validated questionnaire of 25 questions was distributed amongst 200 dental surgeons in Delhi NCR and Chandigarh Tricity region. The survey was divided into 6 sections; first section contained questions regarding demography of respondents, second section was for those who use Lasers in their practice, third section was for those who don't use dental Lasers, and the next three sections were for all the respondents, evaluating perception of dental surgeons on training needs, acceptance of patients to Lasers and the probable trend in LASER usage in a post pandemic world. 
    Result: A response rate of 61.5% was achieved with 123 dental surgeons responding to the survey. 42.3% dental surgeons reported to use Lasers in their practice with a majority of 74.5% using diode Lasers. Most dental surgeons reported that they used Lasers for soft tissue surgical procedures like gingivectomy, gingivoplasty, frenectomy, soft tissue crown lengthening followed by bacterial reduction therapy like periodontal pocket disinfection and Laser assisted periodontal therapy (LAPT). The major barriers preventing dental surgeons from adopting Laser dentistry include lack of guided training and high initial investment costs. 29% dental surgeons using a Laser received training during formal graduation or post-graduation training and 27% received training through continuing dental education programs (CDEs) and hands on courses. Majority dental surgeons agree that there is good patient acceptance to Lasers and that Lasers add a brand value to their clinical practice. Most dental surgeons (64%) will be willing to invest in Lasers if they are made cheaper and are unsure if Laser usage is safe or will improve in the near future of a post COVID world.  
    Conclusion: Diode Lasers are the most commonly used type of Lasers in dental clinics of Northwest India. Integrating theoretical and practical training in formal curriculum can play a key role in better acceptance of dental Lasers amongst dental surgeons.