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How magnification loupes are viewed in today’s world is dramatically different than it was decades ago. Years ago, only a handful of dentists used magnification on a regular basis and the first time I ever encountered a hygienist using magnification was 1996.

The impact of COVID-19 on dental healthcare workers is startling.  The world is changed, and new PPE requirements are heavily impacting the day-to-day of dentists and hygienists everywhere. 

As a clinical professor and dental hygienist, I have experienced firsthand the process of purchasing loupes. Style is often a key factor in the purchasing decision, along with magnification power, weight, and cost. But what about the headlight?

The first pair of loupes I wore in my career were purchased for me by my boss, as it was a requirement to wear them to work in his office.

Imagine working with a scratched patient mouth mirror. The scratches on the mirror prevent the clinician from easily evaluating the oral cavity. Therefore, the clinician’s eyes are left straining to identify the details needed to diagnose the patient.

When first purchasing loupes, it is recommended to select the lowest magnification that meets your needs. A 2.5X magnification is most common for first-time loupe wearers as there is a larger field of view which is easier to adjust to and use in delivering patient care.