The Dental Operative Microscope (DOM) is a key component in modern dentistry. It was first introduced in the 1980s, and has provided a range of benefits to dentists and their patients. These benefits include an enhanced vision of a patient’s oral health and prevention. Now, new research has looked into the impact of DOMs.
When patients go to the dentist, the chances are that they won’t take much notice of what their dentist is wearing, nor think about what the purpose of each item or tool they are using is.
However, over the last few decades, there have been great advances in dentistry. Therefore, this has resulted in improvements in the tools that dentists use.
One of the most landmark introductions in the modern era is the Dental Operative Microscope (DOM). This tool has revolutionized dentistry. Now, research into the impact of the DOM has taken place [1].
What is the Dental Operative Microscope?
Traditionally, dentistry has heavily relied on the human eye for diagnosis and treatment. But as time has passed, dentistry has become more complex, resulting in the need for enhancements in dental technology.
A milestone moment for dentistry came in 1981, when the Dental Operative Microscope was introduced. It was first known as the “Dentiscope” [1].
A DOM is a microscope that is used by dentists. It provides dentists with enhanced vision of the oral health of their patients. Learning how to use DOMs is a key component of education at dentistry schools.
DOMs have reduced the reliance on the human eye, and have resulted in a higher detection rate of problems. In fact, DOMs are used in the vast majority of areas of dentistry, including endodontics and operative dentistry [1].
The Benefits of DOMs
With DOMs having such a transformative impact on dentistry, new research has looked into its impact and highlighted its benefits.
The research was carried out by a team from Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Moreover, their findings were published in the International Journal of Oral Science [1].
One of the key benefits that DOMs provide include enhanced vision for the dentist. As mentioned earlier, by having better vision, the dentist isn’t so reliant on the naked eye, which means more accurate results [1].
Moreover, DOMs provide adaptations for eyepiece distance, diopter correction, magnification levels, brightness levels, and selection of filters [1].
DOMs have also helped to reduce errors, as they provide dentists with more of a thorough look at the oral health of their patients. For example, dentists are able to identify openings of canals in the teeth, check the fitting of a crown, or see cracks in the teeth [1]. This was not possible with the naked eye.
The importance of clinician and patient comfort
However, the research team did point out that using DOMs require a systemic approach which involves a dental professional following standard rules and regulations [1].
Among these rules are safeguarding the components of DOMs, ensuring that seating for both clinician and patient is suitable, and that the way that their patient is positioned is suitable [1].
Clinician and patient comfort are important. DOMs help to achieve this, as long as the dental professional utilizes the tool as they should.
In terms of clinician comfort, this is important. After all, dental professionals need to be comfortable while operating. But before DOMs, this was not always possible. For example, past research found that 30% of dentists that retired early did so because of a musculoskeletal disorder – with this particularly the case in female dentists [2].
Summary
The research team highlighted numerous benefits. Moreover, DOMs will continue to play a role going forward in dentistry.
Dentistry continues to change, meaning that technology will need to adapt. DOMs will definitely play a key role in this, and will continue to aid dental professionals.
Overall, the use of DOMs have revolutionized dentistry. As we see technology continue to evolve, it is expected that DOMs will advance in their capabilities too. This will make them continue to be an essential part of dentistry.
Thinking points…
1) As discussed previously, DOMs make it easier for dentists to see problems in the mouth. But just think – if the dentist can’t see issues to the naked eye, then either can you! Therefore, remember to attend regular dental appointments, so that any problems can be picked up on immediately. A dentist will be able to use a DOM and other equipment to take a thorough look at your oral health. We recommend that you book an appointment right away!
2) At your next dental appointment, why not take a moment to have a look at the various equipment that surrounds you? You might find it very interesting to see some of the instruments! You can make this coincide with a check-up – remember to have these once every six months. Why not book an appointment now?
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.
Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.
References
[1] Liu, B., Zhou, X., Yue, L., et al. (2023). Experts consensus on the procedure of dental operative microscope in endodontics and operative dentistry. International Journal of Oral Science. 15 (43). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41368-023-00247-y.
[2] Valachi, B. (2008). Musculoskeletal health of the woman dentist: distinctive interventions for a growing population. Journal of the California Dental Association. 36 (2): p127-132. PMID: 18411975.
