Pixel-based analysis of dental loupe-assisted simulated calculus removal by dental students: a randomized crossover preclinical study

Resül Çolak; Merve Küçükoğlu Çolak; Sedef Ercan; Semiha Türkan

doi:10.32322/jhsm.1990968

Pixel-based analysis of dental loupe-assisted simulated calculus removal by dental students: a randomized crossover preclinical study

Abstract

Aims: Dental loupes are increasingly used in dental education to improve visualization, posture, and instrument precision. However, evidence regarding their contribution to periodontal instrumentation performance by dental students remains limited. This randomized crossover preclinical study aimed to evaluate the effect of dental loupe use on simulated calculus removal by dental students using a pixel-based image analysis. Methods: Thirty third-year dental students were enrolled in the study. Each participant performed scaling procedures on standardized typodont models under both loupe-assisted and control conditions. Results: Simulated calculus was applied to the buccal, mesial, and distal surfaces of the teeth. Residual simulated calculus was quantified using pixel-based image analysis of images obtained before and after the instrumentation. The primary outcome was predefined as the change in total simulated calculus pixel area. Participant perceptions were assessed using a structured, non-validated, 15-item Likert-type questionnaire. Simulated calculus was significantly reduced under both conditions after instrumentation (p<0.001). The primary outcome was significantly greater under the loupe-assisted condition than that under the control condition (p=0.026). Exploratory surface-level analyses revealed a similar overall trend. The highest median questionnaire score was observed in the Educational Value domain. Conclusion: Dental loupe use was associated with improved simulated calculus removal and may represent a valuable adjunct to preclinical periodontal instrumentation training.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Periodontics

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Resül Çolak ^*
0000-0001-5210-1119
Türkiye

Merve Küçükoğlu Çolak
0000-0002-7652-0016
Türkiye

Sedef Ercan
0009-0007-3379-7641
Türkiye

Semiha Türkan
0009-0007-1343-1167
Türkiye

Publication Date

September 19, 2026

Submission Date

July 9, 2026

Acceptance Date

August 5, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 9 Number: 5

DOI

https://doi.org/10.32322/jhsm.1990968

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA87PA85KA

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Çolak, R., Küçükoğlu Çolak, M., Ercan, S., & Türkan, S. (2026). Pixel-based analysis of dental loupe-assisted simulated calculus removal by dental students: a randomized crossover preclinical study. Journal of Health Sciences and Medicine, 9(5), 1356-1363. https://doi.org/10.32322/jhsm.1990968

AMA

1.Çolak R, Küçükoğlu Çolak M, Ercan S, Türkan S. Pixel-based analysis of dental loupe-assisted simulated calculus removal by dental students: a randomized crossover preclinical study. J Health Sci Med / JHSM. 2026;9(5):1356-1363. doi:10.32322/jhsm.1990968

Chicago

Çolak, Resül, Merve Küçükoğlu Çolak, Sedef Ercan, and Semiha Türkan. 2026. “Pixel-Based Analysis of Dental Loupe-Assisted Simulated Calculus Removal by Dental Students: A Randomized Crossover Preclinical Study”. Journal of Health Sciences and Medicine 9 (5): 1356-63. https://doi.org/10.32322/jhsm.1990968.

EndNote

Çolak R, Küçükoğlu Çolak M, Ercan S, Türkan S (September 1, 2026) Pixel-based analysis of dental loupe-assisted simulated calculus removal by dental students: a randomized crossover preclinical study. Journal of Health Sciences and Medicine 9 5 1356–1363.

IEEE

[1]R. Çolak, M. Küçükoğlu Çolak, S. Ercan, and S. Türkan, “Pixel-based analysis of dental loupe-assisted simulated calculus removal by dental students: a randomized crossover preclinical study”, J Health Sci Med / JHSM, vol. 9, no. 5, pp. 1356–1363, Sept. 2026, doi: 10.32322/jhsm.1990968.

ISNAD

Çolak, Resül - Küçükoğlu Çolak, Merve - Ercan, Sedef - Türkan, Semiha. “Pixel-Based Analysis of Dental Loupe-Assisted Simulated Calculus Removal by Dental Students: A Randomized Crossover Preclinical Study”. Journal of Health Sciences and Medicine 9/5 (September 1, 2026): 1356-1363. https://doi.org/10.32322/jhsm.1990968.

JAMA

1.Çolak R, Küçükoğlu Çolak M, Ercan S, Türkan S. Pixel-based analysis of dental loupe-assisted simulated calculus removal by dental students: a randomized crossover preclinical study. J Health Sci Med / JHSM. 2026;9:1356–1363.

MLA

Çolak, Resül, et al. “Pixel-Based Analysis of Dental Loupe-Assisted Simulated Calculus Removal by Dental Students: A Randomized Crossover Preclinical Study”. Journal of Health Sciences and Medicine, vol. 9, no. 5, Sept. 2026, pp. 1356-63, doi:10.32322/jhsm.1990968.

Vancouver

1.Resül Çolak, Merve Küçükoğlu Çolak, Sedef Ercan, Semiha Türkan. Pixel-based analysis of dental loupe-assisted simulated calculus removal by dental students: a randomized crossover preclinical study. J Health Sci Med / JHSM. 2026 Sep. 1;9(5):1356-63. doi:10.32322/jhsm.1990968