Enhanced Magnification in Restorative Dentistry: Opinions of a Population of Nigerian Restorative Dentists Opinions of Nigerian Restorative Dentists on Magnification

Abstract

Background: The practice of restorative dentistry requires
good perceptual and visual skills. Magnification aids excellent
visualisation that the naked eye cannot provide. Various
magnification devices abound and proper utilization will only
occur based on adequate knowledge of available devices, their
uses, and availability. The restorative dentists would have their
practice elevated by using various magnification devices.
Objective: To assess the awareness and attitudes of members
of the Nigerian Society of Restorative Dentistry (NISORD)
regarding dental magnification.
Methods: An e-questionnaire was developed and distributed
to 118 NISORD members. The questionnaire consisted of, five
sections that covered awareness, attitudes, and barriers to
using dental magnification. Data were analyzed using IBM
SPSS version 26, with descriptive statistics, counts,
frequencies, and cross-tabulations.
Results: The response rate was 69.5% (n=82) and among the
respondents, 42.7% were consultants, 28.0% were senior
residents, and 61% specialized in conservative dentistry.
Nearly all respondents (98.8%) were aware of magnification in
restorative dentistry. The majority (75%) knew about various
magnification devices, with dental loupes being the most
recognized (96.3%). Uses of magnification for dentinal crack
detection and endodontic surgery were equally acknowledged
(95.1%). Of the 59.4% who used magnification, dental loupes
were the most commonly used device (95.5%). Most
respondents (65.5%) supported making magnification use a
standard practice while 34.5% opposed mandatory
enforcement. The primary barrier to routine use was the high
cost of magnification devices (75.6%).
Conclusion: The study revealed high awareness and positive
attitudes toward dental magnification among NISORD
members and this is largely attributed to their postgraduate
training. Most respondents agreed that magnification should
be a standard in restorative dentistry but not mandatory.
Dental loupes were the most recognized and utilized among
the types of dental magnification while the high cost remains a
a significant barrier to the routine use of dental magnification