Many dentists are now practising for longer than they originally planned. Consequently, working comfortably and making ergonomics a priority within the practice has become all the more essential, so that any aches and pains experienced in surgery do not become ‘part of the job’.
It has long been known that bad working posture in dentistry can result in musculo-skeletal disorders (MSD). Research by Leggat, Kedjarune and Smith
(2007) found that approximately 53-82 per cent of dental professionals are suffering from musculo-skeletal complaints such as neck and back muscle
pain. Supporting this, dental ergonomics expert Bethany Valachi (Posturedontics, 2011) has found that one-in-three dentists who retire early are forced to because of a musculo-skeletal disorder.
Sufferers of MSD often find that sport and exercise has to be put on hold, driving can become a problem and regular family life and sleeping patterns can become disrupted, all factors that can put a great deal of strain on your
relationships with colleagues, friends, family… and ultimately the patient.
How loupes can help
Learning new techniques and working with advanced equipment can dramatically improve your own quality of life, both professionally and
personally. Magnification in the form of loupes and an attached light deliver enhanced visual acuity, reduced eyestrain and improved ergonomic posture for greater working comfort alongside the enjoyment and longevity of your career.
Loupes play a major part in improving working posture. Leaning over the patient whilst practising can become an uncomfortable experience for the dentist, resulting in neck and back pain. Loupes that are tailored and customised to the needs of the practitioner enable good posture, reducing the stresses placed on the practitioner’s back.
Expert fitting
Unfortunately, even if you are currently using loupes and a light there’s a good chance that you could still be heading for musculoskeletal complaints because you didn’t receive the correct expert posture advice when making your purchase.
A professional loupe supplier should be available to visit your practice and explain in detail the product choices available an have the training, experience and knowledge to give you the best posture advice to meet your
needs. They should take account of your facial geometry and record essential measurements including your pupillary distance, declination angle and your ideal working distance.
It is vital when you are purchasing loupes that you are accurately measured to ensure that the oculars are in the correct position and that the working
distance is accurate. It’s also important to ensure the loupes are custom-made for you, fit for purpose, and will last for many years without constant adjustment or repair. If you normally wear glasses be sure to check that the
supplier can offer you the option of single vision prescription, bifocal, or even multifocal lenses.
Accurate fitting
The average distance between your eyes and the mouth of the patient is 325-350mm. The ideal distance (depending on height and stool used) to maintain a correct posture and work comfortably is approximately 450mm, but it can
be difficult to see the area of work at this distance.
Practitioners should be measured while sitting with their head and shoulders in a neutral position, similar to the posture when reading or writing. Taking
precise measurements will ensure that the oculars are in the correct place and that the working length (the distance from your eyes to the patient’s mouth) is accurate, helping you to work in a more comfortable, ergonomic position. The angle of declination is also an important specification. Your loupe supplier should be able to create custom-made loupes with the correct angle of declination best suited to you, helping to prevent you straining your neck,
back or eyes. Not all loupes or frames are capable of ensuring the correct angle so experienced advice becomes even more important.
The recommended starting magnification is between 2.5x and 3.5x, as these levels give an optimal depth of field allowing freedom of movement whilst
keeping the subject in focus, helping to maintain a relaxed posture throughout the day. The field of view is also widest at these magnifications. Many dentists upgrade to higher magnification over time and some specialties
need magnification up to 5.7x.
Better quality of life
For something you will be wearing on a daily basis it’s essential to find loupes that are not only comfortable to wear but look stylish as well. Modern loupes are now available in ultralightweight, durable titanium frames that don’t flex whilst supporting the ocular.
The balance between professional and personal life can be difficult, but by wearing loupes and attached lighting, dentistry can become more relaxing, your posture can improve and consequently your personal life will benefit.
Practitioners who have embraced the benefits of enhanced magnification through loupes have made a positive impact on their working environment and consequently their patients’ oral care.
References available on request.