Training Program for the Use of Magnification Loupes in Dentistry

Although magnification loupes offer well-documented advantages, their initial adaptation can be challenging, often deterring widespread adoption. Without sufficient training during this critical period, students may feel inadequately prepared, limiting their ability to benefit from loupes and contributing to reluctance in their use. To address this issue, this study designed and evaluated a training program focused on the use of Galilean loupes, aiming to enhance the ergonomic posture of dental students.

Thirty-one second-year dental students were divided into an experimental group and a control group. Response variables were compliance with ergonomic posture requirements, neck angular deviation, muscle contraction of the back and neck and self-reported perception of pain/discomfort. The independent variables were training program and timing of evaluation (T0, before the program; T1, 1 week after the program). Data analysis used mixed repeated-measures ANOVA and nonparametric mixed repeated-measures ANOVA (α = 5%).

For posture compliance, the experimental group showed improved scores at T1 (p = 0.044), while the control group showed no change. Angular deviation was smaller at T1. No significant interaction was found for muscle contractions. Pain/discomfort perception significantly decreased over time (p = 0.006).

The training program significantly improved students' compliance to ergonomic posture requirements, though it had no measurable effect on the other variables assessed. These findings are noteworthy, as they indicate that targeted training in the use of magnification loupes can effectively improve students' compliance to ergonomic posture standards. Notably, changes in neck angular deviation and reported pain or discomfort were associated with the timing of assessment rather than the training itself. This suggests that the use of magnification loupes may contribute to reducing angular deviation in the neck as students gain confidence and become more accustomed to magnification. Overall, the training program demonstrated a clear benefit in supporting ergonomic compliance among dental students.