The Phase I proposal is in response to the program solicitation on the subject of dental anesthesia. The main objective is to investigate the feasibility of using a portable, self-contained battery operated laser biostimulator (LSB) to alleviate dental pain by semi-skilled dental auxillary personnel especially in the battlefield. The proposed effort encompasses three tasks: 1) design, build and check out the electrical and safety features on the lbs unit, 2) define optimum laser instrument parameters, and 3) conduct a pilot study on human volunteers to establish the optimum laser conditions for dental pain control. By the end of Phase I it is anticipated that we will have "hands-ons" experience to improve and modify the investigative unit. This experience will help design further research and development programs for Phase II which will also entail further experiments on animals and humans. Successful completion of Phase II will lead to the anticipated commercialization of the LBS units.
