The February JADA Practical Science article, "Lasers in Dentistry: Separating Science From Hype," by Drs. Robert Dederich and Ronald Bushick, was a disservice to your readers and the profession. The article did not meet its intended purpose of spotlighting what is known scientifically about lasers in dentistry.
The dental professional has a number of opportunities to learn about laser dentistry. The Academy of Laser Dentistry is an excellent source of information for the profession.1
The Academy of Laser Dentistry, an international professional membership association of dental practitioners and supporting organizations, is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of patients through the proper use of laser technology. The Academy actively supports education and research through its programs, publications, meetings and additional activities.
The Academy fosters dialogue and seeks to build community among its members and dental organizations (including the American Dental Association), educational institutions, researchers, industry representatives and others who share this mission. Your readers should look to the Academy of Laser Dentistry and its members for valid information in the field.
Laser scientific articles should be peer-reviewed and written by scientists who are actively engaged in the scientific process of proposing hypotheses, testing, data analysis, determining results and conclusions based on science. The peer-review process should include dental laser scientific expertise, so that fundamental aspects of articles are correct, and important references in the field of lasers in dentistry are included.
Scientific papers should be based on new scientific evidence obtained by the conduct of pre-clinical (in vitro basic and applied sciences) and clinical investigations. Clinical evidence must be in the form of clinical observations, case histories, cross-sectional studies, case-control studies, retrospective cohort studies, prospective longitudinal studies or randomized controlled studies.2
The Food and Drug 510(k) process3 is designed to protect the public from unproven treatments and ineffective drugs and devices. We have found by experience that the scientific process within the FDA clearance mechanism is at an extremely high scientific standard. The public and profession can be assured that dental lasers cleared for market for specific indications for use have been scientifically tested with demonstrated safety, efficacy and effectiveness with clinical benefits that are in balance with the risks of using the devices.
The use of scientific references must be presented in a balanced impartial way. Five randomized prospective clinical trials come immediately to mind for laser devices (two for Nd:YAG, two for Er:YAG and one for ErCr:YSGG) and applications that are commonly used (one soft tissue and four hard tissue), of which four were omitted by the authors.4–7 Additionally, a number of retrospective studies were not included by the authors. These studies demonstrate primary outcomes of safety and effectiveness.
The article did not contribute to the science in the field, nor did it present a balanced, accurate assessment of the science that exists in lasers in dentistry.
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