Dr. Fred S. Margolis received his BS and DDS from The Ohio State University and his certificate in pediatric dentistry from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry. A Clinical Instructor at Loyola University’s Oral Health Center, he is a fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, International College of Dentists, American College of Dentists, Academy of Dentistry International, and the Odontographic Society. He is author of a course manual Beautiful Smiles for Special People. He can be contacted by phone at 847-537-7695 or by e-mail at kidzdr@comcast.net.

The benefits of using a surgical microscope are numerous, both for the patient and the practitioner. Increased illumination and magnification have been key for endodontists for a long time, but now more general practitioners are taking advantage of this technology.

This article will take a look at some of the benefits that one GP experiences by using the CamSight™ Digital Surgical Scope (www.camsight.com).

Dr. Harvey Apotheker conceptualized the use of the microscope for use in dentistry in 1981.¹ “The newest addition to vision enhancement...in dentistry is the operating microscope. In some medical subspecialties—such as otolaryngology, ophthalmology, plastic surgery, and neurosurgery—extensive microsurgical training is required to perform procedures at acceptable standards of precision.”² As of 1998, the American Academy of Endodontics has had a requirement that all post-graduate endodontic students from accredited programs must become proficient in the use of the microscope.²

There are four advantages that the Digital Surgical Scope (DSS) and the use of captured images have for our everyday practice of dentistry: ergonomics, treatment outcomes, communication and documentation, and education.