Laser Safety

Chapter
First Online:
Part of the Textbooks in Contemporary Dentistry book series (TECD)

Abstract

Laser use in general dental practice has grown considerably over the past 25 years, both in numbers of machines and the scope of usage. General and specific measures must be employed to ensure the safe use of lasers in dentistry. Regulations – specific to lasers or within the licenced scope of practice – apply a duty of care to all dental healthcare professionals in the application of lasers in clinical practice. Such laser regulations may exist through international standards and/or through national or regional legislation. The duty of care extends to all staff as well as patients. The registered laser owner or lead clinician is responsible for ensuring that all staff personnel have a thorough knowledge of laser safety. Additional devolved responsibility may be applied to the laser safety officer.

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Copyright information

© Springer International Publishing AG 2017

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Private PracticeHarrogateUK
  2. 2.Professor a.c., Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated DiagnosticsUniversity of GenoaGenoaItaly

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