Magnification's effect on endodontic fine motor skills

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to quantitatively investigate the effect of magnification on fine motor skills used in endodontics.

Methods: This study used a novel manual dexterity test that was performed with and without magnification. An 8x operating microscope and 2.5x dental loupes were used for the magnification tests. Forty subjects, 20 with microscope experience and 20 without, participated in the study. Performance on the test was evaluated by using an accuracy scoring system, and the time needed to complete the test was recorded for each subject.

Results: A significant increase in accuracy score with each level of magnification was demonstrated (P <or= .05). In addition, the use of operating microscope significantly increased the time needed to complete the test among subjects with less than 3 years of microscope experience.

Conclusions: The use of magnification to enhance fine motor skills was supported in all age groups and experience levels.