Because it is not so *revolutionary* that it convinces enough dentists to
invest.

Cost and inabiliy to remove most old restorations

If you are having small early decay in some teeth, it would be useful.  IF
you are having major work done, ,,,,, nah.

You learn it quickly

For tiny eary decay, yes, for other stuff, no   However, I think Dartos has
a hard tissue laser and could comment better.  I only use a soft tissue
laser.

Forget it. You need a traditional airotor drill and an injection for
this kind of work.

Regards,
George

Amatus give great detail info......Here is my take:

1) How come this technique remains unknown even though it was
approved
by the FDA long ago?
Waterlase claim painless dental procedure require no
syrindge.......The truth is some adult patient, you still need to give
local, great for pedo procedure, but limited on its useage. Poor ROI
for most dentist.

2) What are its drawbacks if any?
Slow.....Expensive, Limited application.....For me...The ROI is the
problem.

3) Can this technique truly substitute for standard drilling for the
type of work I am considering?
very limited use........Like Amatus stated

4) Is specific expertise key for a dentist to practice waterlase
successfully?
If you can buy it on e Bay...........not really

The only laser require real training before the rep selling you the
laser is Periolase..........Only Laser that is FDA approved to treat
Advance gum disease.

5) If it was your own mouth, would you consider going the waterlase
route or not?

Take too long, and technic sensitive........I still like Drill
better.........Have a composite placed with waterlase MD last year by
a good friend.....He have been using laser for 7 years, The composite
filling have to be replaced 8 month later. He did not remove all the
decay......It is hard to remove decay completely with a constant
stream of water.......Maybe it is the operator's error.