Product Evaluation

LUMADENT

ErgoPrism

A uniquely ergonomic design enables clinicians to work in a neutral posture for a drastic reduction in pain, strain, and fatigue

Until recently, Dr. Jay Cunningham’s reward for a hard day’s work was neck fatigue. After only 13 years in practice, he said, “I knew I needed to do something or I’d have serious problems in the future.” Similarly, after 26 years as a dentist, Dr. Mark Fernandez was experiencing chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain that required twice-monthly physical therapy treatments.

The aches, pain, and fatigue experienced by dentists and hygienists can range from annoying to debilitating and can even cut careers short. Can something as simple as a different pair of loupes be the career-saving solution? The answer, as Drs. Cunningham and Fernandez will attest, is a resounding yes—as long as you introduce LumaDent’s ErgoPrism loupes into your practice.

These unique ergonomic loupes allow clinicians to work in a neutral, relaxed, upright position that reduces or eliminates fatigue and back, neck, and shoulder pain, while also reducing eye strain. For Dr. Cunningham, ErgoPrism is “the first true all-day, everyday game changer I’ve had in my practice,” allowing him to work in a stress-free position with “100% better posture, and less neck and shoulder fatigue.” Dr. Fernandez noticed a difference after the first week of wearing the ErgoPrism loupes and said the reduction in back and neck pain has “practically saved my ability to continue to practice dentistry.” When you combine the optimal ergonomics with a wide fi eld of view and adjustable focus distance, ErgoPrism becomes “the best purchase” of Dr. Cunningham’s career, as he shared, “I wouldn’t practice without them.”

Neutral Posture: Reduced Pain, Strain, & Fatigue

Within the first week of using ErgoPrism, hygienist Tammy Grones noticed “significant relief” from her chronic shoulder and neck pain, backaches, and eye strain, and said, “I feel like a whole new person. I’m able to work a full week and go home without feeling achy!” After completely eliminating her neck and shoulder pain, hygienist Lani McBeth said, “These loupes have been a game changer for my continued hygiene career in the operatory.”

“I can honestly say the loupes have been life changing,” said Dr. Christopher Aldrich, explaining that ErgoPrism “positions me in a better posture, which has helped resolve my neck and shoulder pain.” Hygienist Cindy Carroll no longer has headaches or chronic neck issues, something she attributes to less curvature and a more upright position, and Dr. Andrea Cox is no longer in constant pain because she is now able to treat patients without bending her neck. Praising “the ergonomic advantage and neutral operator position” that ErgoPrism allows, hygienist Tyler Gentry no longer feels a knot between his shoulder blades and experiences less muscle strain and tension—a difference that even his massage therapist has noticed. As a second-year dental student, Amira Tadrous no longer complains about neck and back pain since ErgoPrism “definitely forces better posture.”

Loupe Design

Hygienist Shiva Massachi appreciates ErgoPrism’s cordless design that “saves my neck” and keeps cords out of the way, and Dr. Cunningham said the 5.0x ErgoPrism loupes were “drastically lighter weight” than his previous 4.5x loupes. Impressed by how “comfortable and super lightweight the loupes are compared to other brands,” Tadrous said, “It almost feels like I’m not wearing loupes.” She also praised the “super sleek and modern design” and the long battery life. When asked to suggest improvements, Carroll recommended a lighter battery pack, and Gentry would like the components to fi t more easily in the case.

“The reduction in back and neck pain is a game changer and has practically saved my ability to continue to practice dentistry.”
—Mark Fernandez, DDS St. Louis, MO

Image Clarity & Magnification

The lightweight, cordless ErgoPrism loupes come in magnification levels of 3.3x, 4.3x, 5x, and 6.0x Air and are custom made for each user. “The excellent visibility and magnification allow me to do better dentistry, and I love being able to dial in the focal length by rotating the lenses,” shared Dr. Fernandez. For Dr. Brady Gard, ErgoPrism’s “novel reflective loupe design and top-notch optics delivered better results than I imagined,” while “marvelously” resolving inadequate declination angle and working length issues. “I’ve never had such great optics at such a long working length,” he added. “The distance and magnification are perfect, and 3.3x magnification is just what I need to perform various procedures,” said Tadrous, and Grones likes the “wide enlarged fi eld of vision.”

Overall Satisfaction

Using descriptions like “life changing” and “game changer,” these clinicians gave ErgoPrism a well-deserved DPS Best Product rating. Grones has already convinced at least 5 colleagues to purchase ErgoPrism, Gentry said he can work more efficiently and provide better patient care, and Dr. Gard said, “My whole job is now easier.” Dr. Aldrich reported, “The reduction in pain has definitely been worth the investment,” and Carroll called them a “game changer that will extend my hygiene career!” Noting that he “can’t practice without them,” Dr. Cox recommended, “Every dentist should have a pair to prevent future disability.”

Takeaways

• Ergonomic design allows clinicians to practice in a neutral, relaxed posture
• Reduces/eliminates back, neck, shoulder pain and eye strain
• Offers wide field of view and adjustable focus distance
• Exceptionally lightweight and cordless
• Custom made and Rx-ready with no fitting appointment required