Resumo

GOMES, Monalisa da Nóbrega Cesarino et al. The teaching of low intensity laser therapy in Dentistry in Brazil. RFO UPF [online]. 2013, vol.18, n.1, pp. 32-36. ISSN 1413-4012.

Introduction: the trend in dentistry is the incorporation of less invasive methods with the purpose of minimizing the pain and discomfort during and after dental interventions. Objective: this study aimed to profile the teaching of low intensity laser therapy (LILT) applied to dentistry in undergraduate courses of Dentistry schools in Brazil. It also aimed to situate qualification courses for laser therapy available to dentists within the Brazilian territory. Materials and methods: the sample consisted of 174 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), which offer graduation programs in Dentistry; and of 20 qualification courses for LILT. All samples were registered in the Federal Council of Dentistry. For data collection we created two forms: the first one concerning questions about the HEIs offering laser courses in their graduation curriculum, and the second one presented questions about qualifications courses for LIL and the number of skilled professionals at work. Results: from the total of 174 schools surveyed, 22 (12.6%) - 9.4% public and 14% private (p = 0.399), offer education in laser dentistry. Regarding working dentists qualified for LILT, in Brazil there are 190 trained professionals distributed among the five regions of the country; the South East region covers 70.52% of these professionals (p = 0.007). Conclusion: it is noticed that a minority of the HEIs in Brazil offer a subject for laser education, and that most qualified professionals are in the south and southeast regions. This knowledge input translates into more respect for patients as more qualified professionals may assist them.

Palavras-chave : Laser; Dental education; Curriculum.