~Why I Bought One Out of My Own Pocket During My Time as an Associate Dentist~

Have you heard of a “microscope”?

It’s essentially a surgical microscope for dentistry, and recently, more newly opened clinics have started adopting them. However, in terms of nationwide adoption rates, it’s still estimated to be around only 10% of all dental practices.

Why isn’t adoption progressing?

The reasons are simple. They are expensive (models can cost between 5 million and over 10 million yen), mastering their use requires training even after purchase, and they are rarely covered by insurance. In other words, many dentists consider them to have a “low cost-effectiveness ratio.”

However, the benefits in the clinical setting are immense.

By illuminating and magnifying the dark, intricate oral cavity, they dramatically enhance diagnostic accuracy. It’s commonplace to discover, under the microscope, that a tooth previously treated for long-term, unexplained “root canal disinfection” was actually fractured. This is never the fault of the previous dentist; it’s simply the limit of human vision. The naked eye can distinguish features down to about 0.2mm; anything smaller is impossible to discern, no matter how skilled the observer. The microscope is precisely the tool that overcomes this limitation. 

Even during my time as an associate dentist, I was strongly drawn to its potential and was determined to master it myself. I visited multiple renowned experts for observation and participated in training courses to deepen my learning. The ultimate step was an unprecedented move: purchasing a microscope out of my own pocket and installing it at my workplace clinic. Nationwide, it’s extremely rare for a salaried doctor to make such a personal purchase. Fortunately, my supervisor at the time, Dr. Takushi Yoshida, was both kind-hearted and bold. He encouraged me, saying, “Go ahead, put it there,” allowing me to train diligently every day.

Furthermore, I prioritized balancing “seeing” with “communicating.”

To directly convey the images obtained through the microscope to patients, I paid meticulous attention to peripheral equipment and clinic design. Utilizing video editing software and large-screen monitors, I created an environment where I could show treatment records and explanations in real-time. This not only enhanced treatment precision but also provided patients with significant peace of mind by allowing them to visually understand “what was happening inside their own mouths.”

This approach has remained unchanged since opening my practice. I’ve used the microscope for every single case, regardless of whether it’s covered by insurance or self-pay. As a result, I’ve maintained a high success rate of over 90% for root canal treatments. Of course, a certain number of cases require surgical procedures, but having the microscope allows me to perform these safely.

What strikes me most profoundly is that the microscope I purchased out of my own pocket back then is still in active daily use, even after 13 years. Looking back, it seems almost reckless, but I feel that investment and passion shaped my current practice style.

The microscope is not merely an “expensive piece of equipment.”

For me, it is a “partner” that embodies my treatment philosophy and delivers peace of mind and trust to my patients.