The bigger picture

According to Webster’s Dictionary, magnification is defined as ‘the apparent enlargement of an object by an optical instrument’. Put quite simply, magnification enables us to see all procedures in greater detail, thereby increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of our clinical performance. 

Magnification has long been a part of my own clinical work and I am a true advocate of a combination of loupes and lights to assist in the performance of all procedures. However, there are still some who are sceptical about the use of loupes in clinical practice and I often hear dentists give the following excuses as to why they aren’t yet benefiting from loupes (you may recognise them):

These are all misconceptions. All dentists should be using loupes in daily practice regardless of their age, health, eyesight and clinical performance. However, many don’t realise how essential loupes are until they have worked with them and are able to compare their standards of work before and after life with loupes.