Back pain. Neck strain. Shoulder fatigue.
They’re the unspoken symptoms of a dental career done without ergonomics in mind.

As the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) 2026 Annual Meeting approaches, excitement is building around the most pressing topics in root canal therapy, surgical endodontics, and dental innovation. Whether you’re a seasoned specialist or a GP attending your first AAE meeting, this year’s themes reflect a powerful evolution in how we practice, teach, and lead in endodontics.

This article contains excerpted material from Decisions in Dentistry. Written by Juan Carlos Ortiz Hugues, DDS, CEAS, an Endodontist practicing in Panama. He is a...

Neck pain, eye strain, and shoulder tension aren't just annoyances—they're warning signs. If you're leaning over patients to perform endo, it's only a matter of time before discomfort becomes dysfunction. A dental microscope isn't just about magnification—it's about longevity.

Dentistry is a physically demanding profession. Don't wait until it hurts, that may be too late!

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) have long presented significant challenges to the well-being and longevity of dentists. In a profession like yours, where long hours are spent performing repetitive movements in a sitting position, your risk of musculoskeletal disorders increases.

A dental microscope is much more than a tool for enhancing clinical precision—it’s an investment in your health, your practice, and your patients’ trust.

Dentistry is a highly rewarding profession, but its physical and mental demands can take a toll over time. Long hours of patient care, repetitive movements, and maintaining awkward postures can lead to burnout or musculoskeletal issues that shorten a dentist's career.

This article contains excerpted material from: Hugues JCO, Adorno CG. Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and Rodgers Muscle Fatigue Analysis (RMFA) of Dentists using Optical Microscope, Loupes, or No Magniϐication during Endodontic Access: A Pilot Study. J Clin Adv Dent. 2024; 8(1): 024-028. Available from: https://dx.doi.org/10.29328/journal.jcad.1001043

This article summarizes learnings from the Dental Learning CE webinar "The Dental Microscope Is Not a Luxury, It's a Need in Dentistry" hosted by Juan Carlos Ortiz Hugues, DDS, CEAS. Dr. Juan Carlos is an Endodontist practicing in Panama. He is a Global microscope user and has recently published “Ergonomics Applied to Dental Practice” published by Quintessence. He lectures globally on ergonomics using a microscope.