Introduction: Magnifying dental loupes have been reported to improve performance and ergonomics among different dental care practitioners. However, there is little evidence to support its use among novice dental students. In this study, we correlated the use of magnifying dental loupes and first-year dental student’s performance in preclinical competency assessments. In addition, we evaluated the students’ perceived experience with the use of magnifying dental loupes.

Materials and methods: The students’ performance and the students’ perceived experience with the use of magnifying dental loupes were assessed. To assess the students’ performance, we compared the competency assessment scores of the students either using dental magnifying dental loupes or not. A linear mixed-effects model was used to test the effect of magnifying dental loupes on students’ performance in cavity preparation classes I, II, and III. To assess the perceived experience with the use of magnifying dental loupes, 109 first-year dental students were surveyed.

Results: Magnifying dental loupes showed a positive and significant correlation with student’s increase in performance. Students who used magnifying dental loupes have shown a positive difference of 2.8 points (p= 0.029). However, as multiple competency assessments were evaluated, the overall students’ scores varied despite the fact of using or not magnifying dental loupes. In addition, first-year dental students positively perceived the use of magnifying dental loupes.

Conclusion: Magnifying dental loupes increased first-year performance in classes I, II and III preparation competency assessments.