Dental Hygiene ETDs

Publication Date

Spring 5-16-2026

Abstract

This descriptive study was to assess whether dental hygiene schools require students to purchase magnification loupes, at what point in the program they implement the use of loupes, and which type of loupes they require students to purchase. A survey link through Microsoft Forms consisting of nineteen multiple-choice questions was emailed to 327 dental hygiene program directors and was open for a total of three weeks. With a response rate of 13% (45 respondents), results indicate that most dental hygiene programs mandate or strongly encourage the use of magnification loupes and allow students to start wearing loupes in the first year of clinical education. Many programs include ergonomic instruction in their curricula and devote 1-2 hours for instruction. While the majority of students wear magnification loupes, the recommended loupe styles are split between Galilean TTL and ergonomic style loupes. Given the established association between poor ergonomics and the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), dental hygiene programs could benefit from more explicit guidance for students on loupe selection, proper fit, and from greater allocation of instructional time to ergonomics related to magnification loupes.

Degree Name

Dental Hygiene

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Dental Medicine

First Committee Member (Chair)

Christina Calleros

Second Committee Member

Christine Nathe

Third Committee Member

Justine Ponce

Language

English

Keywords

Musculoskeletal Disorders, Ergonomic, Loupes, Posture, Oculars

Document Type

Thesis

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