Dental Students' Awareness and Attitudes Toward Dental Magnification at the University of Jordan: A Questionnaire‐Based Survey
Rawan Abu Zaghlan, Ahmad Abubader, Jehad Al Awadi, Judi Al DandashiABSTRACT
Background
Dental magnification devices provide measurable clinical and ergonomic benefits; however, their adoption among undergraduate dental students remains limited in many institutions. This study aimed to assess awareness, usage patterns, attitudes, perceived barriers, and educational preferences regarding dental magnification among students at the School of Dentistry, University of Jordan.
Methods
A cross‐sectional questionnaire‐based survey was conducted among 802 dental students at different educational levels, including preclinical third‐year students, clinical undergraduate students in the fourth and fifth years, and postgraduate trainees. Associations between demographic and educational variables and magnification‐related responses were analysed using the chi‐square and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Statistical significance was established at p < 0.05.
Results
Only 128 students (16.0%) reported clinical use of dental magnification, with significantly higher usage among postgraduate students (34.6%) compared with third‐year students (12.0%) (χ 2 = 17.558, p = 0.002). Male students reported significantly greater magnification use than female students (22.0% vs. 12.6%, p < 0.001). Despite the low rate of clinical use, most respondents (80.4%) agreed that magnification improves clinical accuracy. Cost was identified as the most common barrier to use (78.3%). Attendance at continuing education courses related to magnification was lowest among interns (14.5%). Most participants (84.0%) supported earlier integration of magnification training into the dental curriculum, with third year identified as the preferred stage for introduction.
Conclusions
A substantial gap exists between students' positive perceptions of dental magnification and its actual clinical use. Financial barriers and limited curricular integration appear to be the main obstacles to adoption. Earlier incorporation of structured magnification training within undergraduate dental education may improve student exposure and uptake.