Call for Developing Laser Technology

The head of Iranian Medical Laser Association called for fellowships in laser technology at Iranian universities of medical sciences maintaining that most users of the medical device do not have enough knowledge on laser use.  

“Insufficient skills in the use of laser have consequences that at times could be irreparable,” warned Reza Fekr Azad, IRNA reported.

Training given in laser use is offered primarily by companies importing the device, which he maintained, was “incomprehensive and does not cover all the functions of the concentrated narrow light beam.”

“Over the past decade, around 500 applicants have been trained by the companies as well in brief courses at Tehran and Shahid Beheshti universities of medical sciences,” he said at a press briefing for the 9th International Dental Laser Congress to be held on Wednesday (April 19).

The curriculum for dental laser was prepared and submitted to the Health Ministry five years ago and is still under revision, he noted.

Laser medicine comprises the use of lasers in medical diagnosis, treatments, or therapies.

“Laser has multiple applications in medicine and will definitely shape the future of science. It is therefore essential that we progress along with the global advancements in the field. The first step should be to offer a course on laser technology at universities,” he said.

“Laser is gradually dominating the realm of medicine and to develop the technology in the country we must not only start teaching it at universities but also import the hardware in spite of the high costs,” he added.

Laser radiation can be used in the diagnosis of tooth decay with no harm inflicted instead of radiography which has side effects. Laser surgical knives can help cut bone or soft tissue with less bleeding and pain.

In Sweden, advanced laser technology is used to “replace genes” and correct the human genome to prevent genetic diseases.

New high-tech laser method allows DNA to be inserted ‘gently’ into living cells offering a cure for many of the diseases that plague mankind.

Although laser is deemed by a section of the medical fraternity “as a luxury alternative” and opposed, however its benefits can’t be denied, he said.

Laser can offer valuable health services to the society, Fekr Azad stressed, adding that the high costs of the devices should not override the use of the technology.

Pointing to the widespread exploitation of the term laser in advertisements, he noted that many of the advertisements are deceptive and people should not be hoodwinked.

“There are advertisements about smoking cessation, treatment of AIDS and even nose job by laser, none of which is true,” he said.

The upcoming event in Tehran will be held in cooperation with 12 dentistry associations, five dentistry faculties and Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization.

Besides local specialists, 23 foreign guests from the US, Brazil, China, the UK, Germany, Greece, Italy, Austria and Belgium will participate in the dental laser congress.