*grin* - of course not :-) (it seems to be quite a popular name around
here...)
Thanks for the detailed explanation!

Now, you should know that a "Steve" rarely makes mistakes <G>.

"Denture" procedures refer to constructing dentures (false teeth).
Impression taking, tooth selection, try-ins, etc.  Not very much
in the way of minute detail to be seen.

"Operative" is a term we use refering to treating cavities by
removing the decay and placing a restoration (filling, inlay,
etc.)  Magnification helps to ensure complete decay removal as
well as restoration placement and finishing.

I worked for quite a few years with no magnification (heck, when
I started practice, dentists didn't even wear gloves!).  I still
see a lot of my old work that is doing quite well, so I would say
magnification might not always be mandatory.

As I've gotten older, I can't get a 'better look' by getting closer
to an object.  It just gets blurry.  So, magnification is an absolute
necessity for me so that I can see what I'm doing.

If a dentist is careful and skilled, magnification will make
treatment easier and it will help ensure that nothing goes
unseen.  If the dentist is sloppy or less skilled, magnification
isn't going to have much of an impact.

JME,
Fawks

Thanks for this :-) (did you mean "dental" rather than "denture"
procedures? and how are "operative" as opposed to non-operative
procedures defined in dentistry?).

I actually found the extract from the book I mentioned above:

"Here are a few guidelines to follow and questions to ask when you are
looking for the right dental professional for you and/or your family:

Does the dentist wear special magnification lenses? This is essential
for doing quality work because dental procedures are precise and the
dentist is working in a small, dark area on a small object. Most
up-to-date dentists will tell you that they would not want to get their
dental work done by a dentist who is not using high-tech, high-powered
lenses."

    This is definitely procedure-specific.  A dentist with normal corrected
vision hardly needs magnification for denture procedures.  However, for
most operative procedures they are a definite advantage.  For some
procedures operating microscopes are becoming the standard of care.

Steve

In a book by Mac Lee, I read a while back that one of the defining
characteristics (for consumers) of a good dentist is the use of loupes.
I'd forgotten all about it, until I came across the following thread on
www.dentistry.com today:

--------------------
Darius
posted 07-25-2005 01:04 AM

Hello,

I need a few cavities filled. I have seen some doctors who use
magnifiers/microscopes for all dental procedures. I am embarrassed to
insist that my doctor should use them if he is going to fill my
cavities--I would feel much better if he did. Is this reasonable?

Thanks
----------

Jeffrey L. Wissot, DDS
posted 07-25-2005 07:21 PM

Interesting question. I practiced 30 years without using loops. Some
dentists prefer them. I think it's really a matter of personal
preference.

-------------------

What is your take on this topic? What percentage of dentists use loupes
for all procedures? Is it one of the surefire characteristics of a good
dentist? How necessary are loupes? And for what procedures? Any
comments would be appreciated - cheers :-) !