Procedural accuracy and efficiency of 3D versus conventional dental microscopes in novice users
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This study compared procedural performance and user experience under three visualization conditions: unaided vision, dental operating microscope (DOM), and three-dimensional dental operating microscope (3D-DOM). In this experimental repeated-measures study, thirty dental students performed a targeting task in randomized order using a DOM (Flexion Advanced, CJ-Optik, Germany) and a 3D-DOM (Promise Vision 3D™, Seiler, USA) at 8× magnification, with a two-week washout period. Accuracy (0–4 scale), task time, and participant-reported outcomes (CVI-S = 0.90) were assessed. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA, Friedman test, Bonferroni-adjusted post hoc comparisons, and Spearman correlation ( p < 0.05). Magnification significantly improved procedural accuracy compared to unaided vision ( p < 0.001). The DOM achieved the highest accuracy (3.40 ± 0.30), required the longest task time (5.14 ± 1.70 min) and provided the greatest visual clarity, although 13.3% of participants reported image splitting with greater difficulty in spatial orientation. In contrast, the 3D-DOM demonstrated a more balanced performance between accuracy and efficiency (3.36 ± 0.20; 3.20 ± 0.81 min), with improved spatial orientation, reduced visual discomfort, and the most favorable ergonomic outcomes ( p < 0.05). These findings indicate that while DOM optimizes visual precision, 3D-DOM achieves a more favorable balance between efficiency, usability, and operator ergonomics.
Source: Scientific Reports
Authors: Minh-Hieu Nguyen Tran, Thu-Tra Nguyen, Dinh-Phuoc Truong, Hoang-Vinh Le, Huynh-Anh Bui, Thi-Thuy-Trang Huynh, Hoang-Lan-Anh Le, Phuong-Doan Phan, Nguyen-Tra-Mi Le, Thuan-Loc Tran, Thuan-Loc Tran, Trieu-Khang Pham, Cong-Minh Nguyen, Huynh-Thuy-Anh Bui, Quoc-Viet Lam, Quynh-Anh Lam, Dai-Phong Lam, Thi-Huong-Loan Pham, Van-Khoa Pham, Tran-Lan-Khue Pham, An-Tran Pham, Thi-Bich-Van Tran, Thi-Bich-Van Tran
Language: English
Subfield: Medical Laboratory Technology
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,690
Award: G3766366067
OpenAlex ID: W7204462984
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