~Transforming the Microscope from “Special” to ‘Everyday’~

Introducing a microscope doesn’t immediately transform clinical practice dramatically. In fact, when I first opened my practice, the microscope was often seen as something “only used for non-insurance treatments.” However, I was determined to **use it consistently for every single case, regardless of whether it was insurance-covered or private treatment**.

The First Hurdle

During my time as an employed dentist, I purchased a microscope out of my own pocket and asked my employer to let me keep it at the clinic. The first hurdle, however, was “time.” Performing procedures meticulously under magnification took nearly twice as long as before. Root canal treatments that used to finish in a 15-minute appointment sometimes took over an hour.

Patients would ask, “Why is this taking so long?” and staff voiced complaints like, “It’s making the schedule too tight.” Looking back now, it was only natural. Back then, I thought, “They should understand because I’m providing good treatment,” but reality wasn’t that forgiving. 

How I Turned ‘Failure’ into Fuel

Once, I treated an emergency patient without using the microscope. Later, they told me, “The treatment last time felt rushed compared to before.” This was a major wake-up call for me.

Once patients experience the meticulous care of magnified treatment, they become sensitive to the difference. In other words, I deeply realized that consistent use builds trust. 

So, for patients who couldn’t be accommodated in short appointments, I started explaining upfront and sharing my policy: “I’ll set aside time to perform careful treatment using the microscope.” Even if the treatment time is longer, it brings greater peace of mind and satisfaction. As a result, cancellations decreased, and recall rates increased.

Making it ‘routine’ with the staff

Another major challenge was “staff understanding.” Using the microscope changes assistant work too. Suction angles, instrument handoffs, documentation methods—everything becomes more detailed. Staff were initially confused. 

I deliberately watched videos with them, reviewing points like “Saliva is visible here” or “This angle makes it hard for the patient to see.” Staff who initially found it demanding gradually realized “My work directly impacts treatment quality.” Now, even hygienists master the microscope.

A Habit That Continues Today

For over ten years now, I’ve used the microscope daily. It’s irrelevant whether it’s insurance-covered cavity treatment, root canal therapy, implants, or ceramics.

Of course, mistakes still happen. I forget to press record on the camera, or the optical axis shifts, making it hard to see. But each of these failures leads to improvement, and now I’ve reached the point where **“I can’t imagine treatment without the microscope.”**

Summary

While microscopes are often initially seen as “specialized equipment for specific procedures,” they are actually tools that truly shine in daily practice.

I’ve overcome failures and obstacles to integrate them into my routine clinical work, including insurance-covered treatments.

In the next installment, Series ⑤, I’ll discuss the “Practical Application of Microscopes in Root Canal Therapy,” sharing clinical examples.