Effect of magnification lenses on student operator posture

A distinct body of literature supports the association between clinical postures of the dental practitioner and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMD). Several aids or devices have been tested to improve clinical posture in the interest of decreasing WRMD. The use of magnification lenses while performing dental procedures may increase the quality of work and decrease the likelihood of musculoskeletal problems. To date, only anecdotal and personal opinions had existed regarding the benefits of using magnification lenses, and no empirical evidence had authenticated the contention that use of magnification lenses exerts a positive change in operator posture. The objective of this study was to assess the effect magnification lenses had on the posture of dental hygiene students. Using a randomized crossover design, researchers videotaped nineteen senior dental hygiene students performing an intra-oral procedure with and without the use of magnification lenses. The tapes were then evaluated by a panel of five dental hygiene educators calibrated in the use of Branson's Posture Assessment Instrument (PAI). Results of a paired t-test indicate that the posture of the students while wearing magnification lenses was more acceptable (p=.019) than when wearing traditional safety glasses. Results of this study indicate a quantifiable change in acceptability of posture for clinicians wearing magnification lenses and suggest that the use of such lenses in dental education may be warranted.