Policy on the Use of Lasers for Pediatric Dental Patients

Policy statement

The AAPD:

• recognizes the use of lasers as an alternative and complementary method of providing soft and hard tissue dental procedures for infants, children, adolescents, and persons with special health care needs.
• advocates the dental professional receive additional didactic and experiential education and training on the use of lasers before applying this technology on pediatric patients.
• encourages dental professionals to research, implement, and utilize the appropriate laser specific and optimal for the indicated procedure. Understanding the technology and clinical implications is necessary before practitioners utilize lasers in patient care.
• encourages additional research regarding the safety, efficacy, and application of lasers for dental care for pediatric patients.
• supports patient, visitor, and staff safety through identification of a laser safety officer, supplementation of infection control practices, and use of wavelengthspecific protective eyewear when a dental facility employs laser technology.