This study compared the use of a microscope in clinical tasks between two groups of dental professionals: Group 1 (G1), with less than 1 year of experience, and Group 2 (G2), with over 5 years of experience in periodontics or implant dentistry. Twenty participants were divided equally and asked to complete three exercises using a microscope. Their performance, time taken, and perceived workload were assessed using the NASA-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), which measures mental and physical effort, time pressure, frustration, and perceived success. In the first exercise, G1 completed the task much faster than G2. In the second, both groups had similar times, whereas in the third, G2 was quicker. However, G2 reported higher mental and physical demands and more frustration. G1, on the other hand, felt more successful in completing the tasks. In conclusion, less experienced professionals found it easier to adapt to using a microscope, with lower workload and greater confidence. These results suggest that introducing magnification early in clinical training may be beneficial.
Ariceta et al. (Sun,) studied this question.