Enhanced Magnification in Restorative Dentistry: Opinions of a Population of Nigerian Restorative Dentists

Background: The practice of restorative dentistry requiresgood perceptual and visual skills. Magnification aids excellentvisualisation that the naked eye cannot provide. Variousmagnification devices abound and proper utilization will onlyoccur based on adequate knowledge of available devices, theiruses, and availability. The restorative dentists would have theirpractice elevated by using various magnification devices.Objective: To assess the awareness and attitudes of membersof the Nigerian Society of Restorative Dentistry (NISORD)regarding dental magnification.Methods: An e-questionnaire was developed and distributedto 118 NISORD members. The questionnaire consisted of, fivesections that covered awareness, attitudes, and barriers tousing dental magnification. Data were analyzed using IBMSPSS version 26, with descriptive statistics, counts,frequencies, and cross-tabulations.Results: The response rate was 69.5% (n=82) and among therespondents, 42.7% were consultants, 28.0% were seniorresidents, and 61% specialized in conservative dentistry.Nearly all respondents (98.8%) were aware of magnification inrestorative dentistry. The majority (75%) knew about variousmagnification devices, with dental loupes being the mostrecognized (96.3%). Uses of magnification for dentinal crackdetection and endodontic surgery were equally acknowledged(95.1%). Of the 59.4% who used magnification, dental loupeswere the most commonly used device (95.5%). Mostrespondents (65.5%) supported making magnification use astandard practice while 34.5% opposed mandatoryenforcement. The primary barrier to routine use was the highcost of magnification devices (75.6%).Conclusion: The study revealed high awareness and positiveattitudes toward dental magnification among NISORDmembers and this is largely attributed to their postgraduatetraining. Most respondents agreed that magnification shouldbe a standard in restorative dentistry but not mandatory.Dental loupes were the most recognized and utilized amongthe types of dental magnification while the high cost remains aa significant barrier to the routine use of dental magnification