We all know that wearing magnification equipment such as loupes can improve posture and visual acuity when treating patients, but not all loupe-wearers truly know how beneficial a pair of loupes can be. Although loupes are now widely used by dentists, hygienists are increasingly using them too, discovering as quickly as dentists how useful they are.
Working with ease
The automatic positioning of bending over to see clearly into a patient’s mouth takes its toll on musculoskeletal health – whether they be a hygienist or dentist. In some cases, the neck and back strain affects the nerves such that a practitioner’s hands can become numb, hugely impairing job performance.
For a hygienist to work with ease, magnifying loupes play a key role in improving treatment procedures such as hard and soft tissue evaluation, calculus and periodontal pocket detection and radiographic interpretation. Working on several patients throughout the day, it’s important that your last patient receives the same high-quality treatment as the first. This can only be assured with the right equipment to support you to work in comfort.
The right loupe pair
Finding the right supplier is crucial when purchasing loupes – the loupes have to be tailored to your individual needs. A good supplier will come to your premises to assess you in your own environment, take exact measurements – and plenty of them – to find the perfect pair of loupes for you. If you wear prescription glasses, the loupe lenses can be matched to your prescription, too.
Cost
This can be an important consideration and, again, the right supplier will explore financing with you before making purchase decisions. It is worth noting, however, that loupes are an investment in your career and the saying ‘short-term pain for long-term gain’ is true here.
Specs
Lens quality, frame weight, style and comfort are important specifications in selecting the right loupes. The level or magnification will vary according to your preference and the work you perform, but this will be considered as part of the evaluation process. Loupes shouldn’t feel heavy or uncomfortable, rather they should be lightweight yet sturdy.
Tip: Make sure you get a solid, protective case to carry your loupes around with you, keeping them safe from damage during transportation.
Illumination
Wearing a loupe-mounted light makes a big difference to what you can see during treatment, adding to the benefits of magnification. With line-of-sight illumination, procedures become easier, as you can direct the light to exactly where you need it.
Patient benefit
The beauty of wearing loupes is that you will clearly see what you’re trying to remove in the mouths of your patients, particularly when scaling. Far from the misconception that patients find loupes a little intimidating, they generally don’t even notice them. If they are curious, explain how the loupes allow you to see much more during treatment, ultimately giving them a much better and more comfortable treatment experience.
Enjoying your free time
Even when working eight-hour days, performing treatment wearing loupes will significantly reduce back and neck pain through postural improvement, leaving you better able to enjoy an active life outside work.
Looking after yourself at work means a better life outside it, as physical and emotional wellness are crucial to doing a better job for your patients and giving you far greater job satisfaction.
To find out more about selecting the right pair of loupes for you, click here and we’ll be in touch with our recommended solutions.
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