Written by: Benita Altier LVT, VTS (Dentistry)
There are a few important considerations when choosing the right lighting and magnification for
daily use in veterinary dentistry. Your objective may be to contribute to better patient outcomes,
increase efficiency, and decrease work-related musculoskeletal injuries and lost work time.
Choosing the Best Lights and Loupes
- Selecting Loupes
o Magnification Levels: Magnification levels are an important consideration when
entering the world of lighting and loupes. Introductory levels of magnification are
often best for veterinary dentistry so that you have a fairly large visual field
without losing visual acuity. When trying options, consider beginning with 2.0 or
2.5 vs. the higher levels of magnification.
o Field of View and Depth of Field: Working in the oral cavity of animals presents
some unique challenges compared to human dentistry. Patients often have small
mouths, and the depth of their oral cavity makes it difficult to visualize areas in
the back of the mouth. Consulting someone who understands how important it is
to have magnification that allows for a wider and deeper depth of field is critical.
o Ergonomics: When it comes to your comfort when deciding which type of loupes
to buy or whether they should be customized to fit you versus adjustable pupillary
distance or angle of declination, it is important to gain a better understanding of
how the ergonomics of poorly fitting loupes may actually cause strains and pains
compared to those that are customized to your specific ocular and facial anatomy.
Proper fit is very important, considering the often-lengthy procedures that many
veterinary professionals perform on animals.
Practical Tips:
o Quality lighting and magnification require you to try on different frames and
configurations to determine which fits your needs and comfort level. Consider
having a product representative visit you to configure and customize the
equipment to match your objectives and needs.
o Companies that offer these options often attend some of the larger veterinary
conferences so stopping by to see them in the exhibit halls is a great way to learn
more about the options and to try on the products.
o Consider consulting with colleagues or reading reviews to learn more about the
brands out there.
o Support after the purchase is key; it is very important to consider what the
company offers here because if you need adjustments or assistance, you want to
trust the company will be there for you moving forward into your dentistry future. - Choosing the Right Lighting
o Light Intensity and Color Temperature: Do not underestimate the importance
of adjustable light intensity and a natural daylight color temperature; when
differentiating between dentin, enamel, cementum, and bone, you want to easily
see those color changes. Eye strain is reduced when the light source provides
clarity.
o Position and Type of Lighting: Veterinary medicine has been plagued with poor
lighting conditions. Even in surgery, it is difficult to adjust overhead lighting well
enough that the surgeon is looking where the light is directed. With dentistry and
the dark oral cavity, it is very important to have focused lighting exactly where
the operator is looking to avoid shadows. Lighting attached to ergonomic and
well-fitting loupes allows the light field to be directed at the operatory field all of
the time. This gives ultimate mobility for your lighting source.
o Battery Life and Portability: There are more options than ever for portable
lighting that pairs well with magnification loupes. Research the options and what
seems to agree with your working patterns. It is important to not have difficult
cords, the weight of the cords pulling at your loupes, or a short battery life.
Popular options are the around-the-neck rechargeable battery, which has a short
cord attached to the light source, which is then attached to the front of the loupes,
or a longer cord to an even longer-lasting battery pack that can be worn on a belt
or in your pocket.
Practical Tips:
o Ensure the light source is adjustable and provides even illumination.
o Check that the lighting system can be easily integrated into your existing setup.
Maintenance and Care of Loupes and Lights
- Loupes Maintenance
o Cleaning and Storage: Individual manufacturers have specific recommendations
for maintaining clear and scratch-free lenses. To prevent damage, store loupes
with magnification lenses in a case when not in use. Clean them only with a soft
cloth and lens cleaning spray after each patient’s use.
o Adjustments and Repairs: Quality manufacturers of lighting and magnification
loupes should offer periodic adjustments and equipment evaluations to ensure that
the alignment and fit of your loupes remain as they were designed. Check with
your product sales team to determine the process to have these done at least
annually to protect your investment. - Lighting Maintenance
o Regular Cleaning: As with the loupes and magnification, it is important to gently
clean off the light lens to ensure maximum adjustability of your light intensity and
reduce shadows created by debris on the lens.
o Battery and Power Management: For battery-operated lights, ensure batteries
are replaced or recharged regularly, avoid overcharging batteries, and follow the
manufacturer’s recommendations.
o Practical Tips: Perform routine checks on lighting equipment to ensure it is
functioning correctly. Replace batteries or charge them before they are completely
depleted to avoid interruptions during procedures.
Training and Adaptation
- Training for Effective Use
o Initial Training: When adapting your dental practice to include the use of
lighting and magnification, it is important to understand that training is necessary
to learn how to implement this new tool without potential frustrations.
o Many new users of lighting and magnification report difficulties practicing new
body postures; no longer do you need to lean forward and look to see fine detail.
It takes practice to sit up straighter so the benefits of the magnification can be
found. This is a great thing, but not what we have trained ourselves to do.
o Patience is key when it comes to adapting to new methods; however, if you
persist in your practice, you will soon realize that better postures and less neck
and eye strain can equal more efficient procedures and better patient outcomes.
o Continual Education: Adapting to the use of lighting and magnification will lead
to an interest in learning more about how ergonomics in seating, tables, and
workspace organization can lead to an even greater level of comfort and
efficiency.
Practical Tips:
o Participate in training sessions offered by equipment manufacturers or
professional trainers who teach dentistry and oral surgery for veterinarians and
veterinary technicians.
o Practice using loupes and lights in a variety of procedures to build confidence and
proficiency.
- Adapting to New Tools
o Gradual Integration: When you first try magnification and lighting, introduce
this to your procedures slowly and minimally at first. Start with a fairly short
procedure that isn’t overly complex.
o Adjustment: Based on your assessment of what is working well when adapting to
the new equipment, consider adjusting your working patterns when using lights
and magnification loupes.
Practical Tips:
o Set aside time for practice with new equipment before using it in critical
procedures.
o Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the tools and adjust as needed.
Conclusion
When it comes to veterinary dentistry and oral surgery, there are so many moving parts and
challenges when it comes to performing procedures with a high level of success and efficiency.
Critically, we must visualize with great acuity tiny root structures and difficult areas in the
caudal mouth. Professionally constructed and customized lighting and loupe configurations have
the potential to reduce patient time under anesthesia due to your increased efficiency and
reduction in complications. The benefits to your well-being regarding a potential reduction in
work-related musculoskeletal injury should not be overlooked.
Take time to do your research; not all products are comparable, and not all products will work
for everyone. The investment in the well-being of your patients and you are worth the effort to
select, learn to use, and maintain a quality pair of magnification loupes and lighting system.
Benita Altier is a Licensed Veterinary Technician with a Veterinary Technician Specialty (VTS)
in Dentistry. She teaches courses across the country through her company Pawsitive Dental
Education. Learn more about her courses and education materials
at https://pawsitivedental.com/
