Impact of experience on microscope adoption in periodontics and implant dentistry

This study investigates differences in difficulty using a microscope (OM) between professionals with less than 1 year of experience (Group 1 [G1]) and experienced professionals with over 5 years of practice in periodontics or implant dentistry (Group 2 [G2]).

Twenty professionals were divided into two groups based on their experience. Each participant was instructed to perform three different exercises. Participants' ability to complete the exercises and the time required were evaluated. Additionally, they completed the National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) questionnaire. Its purpose is to assess the mental, physical, and temporal demands, the effort required, the level of frustration, as well as the participants' perception of the degree of success or failure.

Both groups had an equal number of participants and completed three exercises. In Exercise 1, G1 was significantly faster than G2 (mean 0.54 min vs. 6.51 min). In Exercise 2, the time was similar for both groups (G1: mean 24.9 min vs. G2: mean 21.3 min). In Exercise 3, G2 was faster (mean 32.4 min vs. mean 24.6 min). In NASA-TLX, demand was significantly higher for G2. On the other hand, G1 had a higher perception of success in completing their tasks.

G1 found it easier to incorporate the microscope. The level of frustration and demand (physical and mental) was higher in G2. The perception of success in using this technology was greater in G1, and the time required to complete the exercises was shorter for G1 in Exercise 1 and similar for both groups in Exercises 2 and 3.

Both experienced and inexperienced professionals were able to complete all three exercises equally. Exercise 1 was completed faster by Group 1, whereas the times for Exercises 2 and 3 were similar. The level of difficulty in terms of mental demand, physical effort, time, and frustration was higher in experienced professionals. The perception of success in incorporating the OM was higher among professionals with less experience.

This study compared the use of a microscope in clinical tasks between two groups of dental professionals: Group 1 (G1), with less than 1 year of experience, and Group 2 (G2), with over 5 years of experience in periodontics or implant dentistry. Twenty participants were divided equally and asked to complete three exercises using a microscope. Their performance, time taken, and perceived workload were assessed using the NASA-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), which measures mental and physical effort, time pressure, frustration, and perceived success. In the first exercise, G1 completed the task much faster than G2. In the second, both groups had similar times, whereas in the third, G2 was quicker. However, G2 reported higher mental and physical demands and more frustration. G1, on the other hand, felt more successful in completing the tasks. In conclusion, less experienced professionals found it easier to adapt to using a microscope, with lower workload and greater confidence. These results suggest that introducing magnification early in clinical training may be beneficial.