Attitudes and Perceptions of Dental Professionals Regarding Soft Tissue Laser Use by Orthodontists: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Background: The use of soft tissue lasers in orthodontics has increased significantly due to their potential advantages. However, data regarding the perceptions of orthodontists and other dental professionals regarding the use of soft tissue lasers in orthodontic practice remain limited.

Objective: To evaluate the views and practices of periodontists, orthodontists, and general dentists regarding the use of soft tissue lasers by orthodontists during treatment.

Methods: A survey was conducted at the Department of Orthodontics, Saidu College of Dentistry, Swat, after obtaining ethical approval. Using convenience sampling, 207 dental professionals with valid PMDC registration participated in the study. We analyzed the data using IBM SPSS version 27. Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used. A p-value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Participants were aged 30–50 years. Orthodontists made up 39.1% of respondents, periodontists 34.3%, and general dentists 26.6%. Most participants believed it was appropriate for orthodontists to perform soft tissue laser procedures; however, periodontists showed significantly less support than orthodontists and general dentists (p<0.001). Orthodontists and general dentists were more inclined to think that the use of lasers increased referrals to orthodontic practices, while most periodontists saw no impact on referrals (p<0.001). There were notable differences between specialties regarding orthodontists performing various laser-assisted procedures, particularly gingivectomy and operculectomy (p<0.001). Despite positive attitudes, the regular use of soft tissue lasers in clinical practice remained limited.

Conclusion: Most dental professionals supported the use of soft tissue lasers by orthodontists during treatment, although periodontists were less supportive. Reported clinical use of soft tissue lasers in orthodontics remained limited.