DENTAL PRACTITIONER’S AWARENESS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE USE OF LASER TECHNOLOGY IN ENDODONTIC DISINFECTION: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Objectives: To determine dental practitioner’s awareness, knowledge, and attitudes towards the use of laser technology in endodontic disinfection.Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study involved 159 dental practitioners recruited through non-probability convenience sampling. Participants provided written informed consent and completed an online questionnaire covering demographics, awareness, and practical use of laser technology in endodontics. Chi-square tests applied to assess awareness among diff erent experience levels.Results: Among the 159 participants, the mean age was 33.08 ± 8.83years, with a higher proportion of males (n=95, 59.7%). While most respondents recognized the benefi ts of laser technology in endodontics, practical application was limited, with only 4.4% reporting its use. Significant differences were observed between respondents with 1-4 years and 5-8 years of experience in their familiarity with laser technology and beliefs about its application and outcomes. Barriers to adoption included cost concerns and perceived training accessibility.Conclusion: Although awareness of laser technology in endodontics is common among dental practitioners, its practical use is still limited. Overcoming obstacles like cost and access to training could promote wider adoption and potentially improve treatment outcomes in endodontic practice.