Knowledge and perceived adequacy of information regarding the applications of lasers in dentistry among dental interns in India

Abstract

Aim: Laser dentistry is one of the latest, precise, and minimally invasive tools being explored in dentistry. The objective of the study was to determine the knowledge and perceived adequacy of information of lasers in dentistry among the dental interns in Karnataka, India. Materials and Methods: A survey was conducted in Karnataka among the dental students who were in their fifth year of the course. The questionnaire consisted of two main parts: first part included use and applications of dental lasers, and second part included source and need of information regarding the laser. Total of 1000 questionnaires were distributed among the students, and finally, 727 completely filled questionnaires were considered for the study. Results: A majority of the students (79%) were not provided with adequate knowledge during their Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) curriculum and 53% of the students were interested in procuring the additional information about lasers. It was found that the knowledge regarding lasers was satisfactory only regarding the types and benefits of lasers. The knowledge regarding applications of lasers in various fields of dentistry was below satisfactory. Conclusion: The dental interns of Karnataka feel that the laser education provided to them during their BDS course was insufficient. Most of the surveyed interns were found to be having either insufficient knowledge or incorrect notion about lasers.