Using the same tool does not mean it is the same practice. I have experienced both dry needling and acupuncture.  They are vastly different!

Both have value. Dry needling has relieved long term pain for me. PT have extensive training in anatomy plus additional hours in specific techniques if dry needling. I believe it to be safe. There re risks will ALL medical procedures including acupuncture. 

I would hate to lose dry needling as an option  for treatment that was able to effectively relive pain that no other technique was able to address