Changes in posture: a case study of a dental hygienist's use of magnification loupes.
OBJECTIVE
Evidence suggests that using magnification loupes will improve the posture of dental clinicians, thus decreasing work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of this case study was to document the experiences of a dental hygienist during a four week acclimatization period.


METHODS
Documentation was comprised of self-reports from the dental hygienist's reflective journaling and postural measurements made by a trained observer using Branson's Posture Assessment Instrument (BPAI), a validated posture assessment instrument. Journal reports and postural measurements were made prior to the use of the magnification loupes and over the subsequent three week trial.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of the magnification loupes was a positive experience. The BPAI results indicated a positive change in neck and low back posture. Further trials of the effectiveness of magnification loupes in reducing musculoskeletal disorders with this occupational group are recommended.
Branson
Bonnie G
BG
Division of Dental Hygiene, School of Dentistry, University of Missouri Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA. bransonb@umkc.edu
Black
Marsha A
MA
Simmer-Beck
Melanie
M
D000328:Adult; D003756:Dental Hygienists; D004282:Documentation; D006804:Ergonomics / Q000295:instrumentation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000032:analysis*; D055095:Optics and Photonics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology*