Resül ÇOLAK, Merve Küçükoğlu ÇOLAK, Sedef ERCAN, Semiha TÜRKAN
Journal of Health Sciences and Medicine - 2026;9(5):1356-1363
Aims: Dental loupes are increasingly used in dental education to improve visualization, posture, and instrument precision. However, evidence regarding their contribution to periodontal instrumentation performance by dental students remains limited. This randomized crossover preclinical study aimed to evaluate the effect of dental loupe use on simulated calculus removal by dental students using a pixel-based image analysis. Methods: Thirty third-year dental students were enrolled in the study. Each participant performed scaling procedures on standardized typodont models under both loupe-assisted and control conditions. Results: Simulated calculus was applied to the buccal, mesial, and distal surfaces of the teeth. Residual simulated calculus was quantified using pixel-based image analysis of images obtained before and after the instrumentation. The primary outcome was predefined as the change in total simulated calculus pixel area. Participant perceptions were assessed using a structured, non-validated, 15-item Likert-type questionnaire. Simulated calculus was significantly reduced under both conditions after instrumentation (p<0.001). The primary outcome was significantly greater under the loupe-assisted condition than that under the control condition (p=0.026). Exploratory surface-level analyses revealed a similar overall trend. The highest median questionnaire score was observed in the Educational Value domain. Conclusion: Dental loupe use was associated with improved simulated calculus removal and may represent a valuable adjunct to preclinical periodontal instrumentation training.
