The Microscope in Everyday Dentistry: Getting a closer view

Overview

The enhanced magnification and illumination provided by the dental operating microscope can be applied to almost all clinical situations. These include the diagnosis of caries, cracks and fractures, pit and fissure restorations, all stages of cavity, veneer and crown preparations and endodontic, periodontal and oral surgery procedures. In many dental specialties the microscope is already considered the standard of care, and its use in general practice is growing. By encouraging good posture the microscope benefits the health of the dentist and the chair side assistant. When combined with documentation facilities, the microscope is an excellent tool for patient education, record keeping and legal defence.

This course will emphasize your use of the microscope in every day clinical situations by the means of “hands on” exercises on extracted teeth and tooth models. A team approach utilizing a chair side assistant will be emphasised, including training in four-handed dentistry specific to a microscope enhanced general practice. Each participant will have the opportunity to try different brands of microscopes to compare their features.

Those who use loupes should bring them to the course. Loupes should be considered the first stage of magnification. If you do not have loupes an obligation free trial can be arranged in your surgery before this course starts. Please contact Continuing Education for more information.

All reference material will be supplied. Your presenters include both specialist endodontists and general practitioners, all with extensive microscope experience who look forward to sharing their knowledge with you.

Is this course right for me?

This course is intended as an introduction to the microscope for dentists with no or limited experience in microscopic dentistry or those dentists who have a microscope but are experiencing problems with its use.

Topics

• The microscope: what features to look for
• Adjusting and focusing the microscope
• Dentist, assistant and patient positioning for optimum results and improved posture
• Pit and fissure restorations
• Endodontic access cavities, canal location and instrumentation
• Veneer preparation
• Cavity preparation
• Crown preparation
• Periodontal procedures
• Documentation and record keeping

Presenters

Steven Cohn, BA, DDS, Cert Endo, DABE, FADI, FICD, FPFA

Jennifer DAY, BDS

Barbara Faulkner, BA (Hons)

Alan Nerwich, BDS (Hons), MDSc, MRACDS (Endo), FICD

Rick Spencer, BDS (Hons) Syd