Decision-Making Factors Among Dentists for Using Dental Magnifying Loupes: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Purpose: Dental magnifying loupes (DMLs) allow better visualization of the operative field and operator's seating postures. This study aimed to investigate factors influencing the usage and selection of DMLs among dentists and determine the self-reported musculoskeletal pain and perception regarding DMLs usage.

Methods: A validated self-reported questionnaire of 19 items assessing participant's characteristics and DMLs usage was distributed to individuals who fit the inclusion criteria: practicing general dentists/dental intern and resident/specialized dentist in various dental specialties. The data were collected and then statistically analyzed using comparisons tests (chi-square/Fisher's exact test) and logistic regression with significance level (p-value) below 0.05.

Results: The response rate for this study's questionnaire was 97.33%. There is a significant association between the use of DMLs and training using them in dental school (p < 0.002). Using DMLs in endodontic treatment is significantly associated with the general dentist professional classification. Specialized dentists are 1.94-times more likely to use DMLs than general dentists (p < 0.001). The majority (50%) of DML users believe that DMLs are best used during undergraduate training. Using DMLs for "better vision" was the most selected (63.64%) option by DMLs users, followed by "increased clinical efficacy" (61.36%), "improved patient care" (50%), and "better ergonomics" (47.73%). Of dentists who did not use DMLs, 66.90% reported that DMLs being expensive was a limitation to their usage. Almost 91% dentists who have neck and shoulder discomfort (n = 219) do not use DMLs.

Conclusion: DMLs are under-utilized by dentists. The major factors limiting their use are the high cost and lack of training regarding their use in dental school. Addressing these two factors may contribute to a positive shift in the utilization of DMLs by a larger number of dentists.