The effect of magnification loupes on posture during instrumentation by dental hygienists

The physical stress of clinical practice is an occupational risk factor for developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in dental hygienists. The utilization of dental magnification loupes shows promise in allowing the practitioner to maintain a neutral posture, enhancing quality of care and a reduction of physical stress [1]. Dental hygiene students, and professional practitioners were recruited to perform simulated scaling instrumentation in a repeated measures design while wearing loupes, and not wearing loupes. Preliminary data suggest a positive correlation between wearing loupes and a more neutral body posture. Loupes were also perceived by the participants to improve posture as well as instrumentation performance.