The influence of the use of magnifying dental loupes on the performance of undergraduate dental students undertaking simulated dental procedures.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of third-year dental students in a simulated restorative dentistry examination using magnification (2.5x dental loupes) compared to those not using magnification. Methods: An endodontic access preparation on a plastic lower left first molar (Nissan) and porcelain fused to metal (PFM) preparation on a plastic lower right first molar mounted on an acrylic lower jaw model (Columbia Dentoform) were performed by undergraduate students. Assessment of the tasks was undertaken by experts, calibrated, blinded examiners, using a standardised marking rubric for each task. The grades were then grouped; Group 1- no magnification; Group 2- magnifying dental loupes 2.5x. Data were analysed using Chi-Square tests to compare the groups, the significance level was set at 5%. Results: Students’ preparations using magnification were better compared with those without magnification (P