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Dental Loupes
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What are dental loupes?
Loupes are magnification lenses that allow dentists and dental students to better view the area of the oral cavity in which they are working.
Do I need a pair of loupes for dental school?
No, but they do make a significant difference and I would recommend getting a pair of loupes for dental school. Loupes help dentists and students increase their precision in making accurate diagnosis and drilling to the best possible dimensions for each tooth preparation. Dental loupes also help your posture while peroforming dental procedures helping you to avoid neck and back fatigue and eye strain. By the end of the last year of dental school, most dental students will own and use a pair of loupes.
Should I get flip up or through the lens (TTL) loupes?
This is a personal preference. There are benefits and negatives to both types of loupes. The TTL loupes are usually lighter and less bulky, but they are also more expensive and are not adjustable. The flip up style allows the dentist or student to move the lens out of the way when they are not needed and are adjustable, but they tend to be a little heavier and bulky.
Orascoptic TTL Loupes and Surgitel Flip Up Loupes
Where can I get a pair of loupes?
For some of the bigger loupes companies, like Surgitel and Orascoptic, representatives will visit your dental school several times a year to allow students to test their products and also to take orders. This is a good opportunity to at least try out a pair to see if you are interested. You can also find loupes at dental conventions as well as on the individual websites of each comapny. In addition to Surgitel and Orascoptic, some other major dental loupes companies include Perioptix, Sheervision, and Designs For Vision. You may also be able to purchase loops at a discount through ebay.
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What loupes magnification level should I get?
For general dentistry, a 2.5 magnification is probably the best option. With increased magnification, your field size and brightness decrease. A higher level of magnification may be better for certain procedures, particularly endodontics, but for most dental operations a 2.5 magnification is enough.
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