Comparative analysis of preclinical dental students' working postures using dental loupes and dental operating microscope

Abstract

Background Dentists are susceptible to musculoskeletal disorders due to prolonged static postures during dental treatments. Using a magnification tool like dental operating microscope (DOM) or the dental loupes may correct the operator's posture. Up until now, few studies have focused on preclinical dental students' posture when working with the DOM, while most of them have focused on the loupes. The aim of this study was to comparatively analyse the working posture of preclinical students during a dental restoration procedure, working with two different magnification methods. Materials and methods This study used a randomised cross‐over design in which seventeen third year students were randomly divided into three groups. The exclusion criteria were previous contact with magnification systems and previous clinical working experience. Each student prepared 3 Black class 1 cavities on artificial lower molars: first with no magnification, following dental loupes and DOM. They were video‐recorded throughout the preparation. Trunk, neck and upper‐arm position were evaluated using the Posture Assessment Instrument. Students completed a questionnaire on their subjective perception of the two magnification systems. Results The statistical analysis showed significant improvement of the working posture using magnification systems compared to direct vision. The biggest improvement was obtained through the use of DOM, followed by the dental loupes. Students perceived dental loupes as being the most comfortable and easy to adapt to. They reported being more focused when using DOM. Conclusions Both magnification systems had a positive impact on the working posture, DOM having the best results. Loupes showed better adaptability while DOM showed better concentration.

A RULA-Based Comparison of the Ergonomic Risk of Typical Working Procedures for Dentists and Dental Assistants of General Dentistry, Endodontology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and Orthodontics

“…The torso would not have to be bent forward as far, while the neck and head would not have to be rotated or laterally inclined to such an extent. Working with a dental microscope, especially in oral surgery and endodontics, may also reduce working at such a high ergonomic risk score [ 51 , 52 , 53 ]. Regarding the ergonomic risk when working with indirect vision or a dental microscope, further analysis would need to be performed in the future.…”

Robotic and Microrobotic Tools for Dental Therapy

“…In addition, the use of a dental operating microscope can also achieve improved ergonomics at other levels. Using a dental operating microscope, the eyepiece and observation object distance are relatively stable, reducing unnecessary adjustment [104]. (4) Doctors and patients can maintain a relatively safe distance, reducing the risk of saliva and blood infection.…”

Magnificación en Periodoncia

“…Es común encontrar odontólogos y más a estudiantes que concentrados en obtener una mejor visión se olvidan de la postura. Al estar estáticos los músculos se contraen y esto realizado en forma repetitiva puede traer problemas (Bud et al, 2020).…”

“…Los problemas ocasionados por las malas posturas y el esfuerzo repetitivo traen trastornos músculo esqueletales que involucran a los músculos, tendones, ligamentos, articulaciones, cartílagos, discos intervertebrales y/ o nervios. (Bud et al, 2020;Ludwig et al, 2020). Los trastornos músculo esqueletales se concentran en los odontólogos a nivel de tronco, cuello y hombros manifestándose con dolor, parálisis o disfunción afectando la calidad de vida, así como el tiempo que se puede disponer para el trabajo (Hayes et al, 2009).…”

“…Se han realizado estudios que demuestran que, a través de los sistemas de aumento se ha mejorado la ergonomía (Branson et al, 2004;Hayes et al, 2014;Bud et al, 2020;Ludwig et al, 2020;Hayes et al, 2021;Ling & Baowei). Esto se debe a que aumentando la distancia de trabajo se mejora la postura (Shanelec, 1992).…”