Abstract: Objective To explore the role of dental operating microscopes in the experimental teaching of operative dentistry and endodontics.Methods From October 2017 to January 2018, 76 five-year program dental students enrolled in 2014 from Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University were selected as the research objects. All students were randomly divided into 2 groups (group A or B) with 38 students for each group. The dental operating microscopes were applied to experimental teaching of G.V.Black Class I preparation and access preparation, and all students were evaluated by teachers with or without dental operating microscopes. Questionnaire was designed to evaluate the experience of students in using dental operating microscopes.Results The average score of cavity preparation for students using dental operating microscope were (90.16 ± 3.01), while for students without using dental operating microscopes were (90.72 ± 2.57). The differences were not statistically significant (P>0.05). The average score of access preparation for students using the dental operating microscopes were (92.30 ± 2.82), while for students without using dental operating microscopes were (88.93 ± 2.31). The differences of scores were statistically significant (P＜0.05). According to the questionnaire feedback shows that89.3%(67/75) of the students believe that the application of dental operating microscope is helpful in learning clinical operation skills, 29.3%(22/75) of the students feel difficult in the adjust and use of dental operating microscope.Conclusions The application of dental operating microscope is useful for improving students' level of access preparation. Students still need special training and teaching guidance to skillfully use oral operating microscope.

Key words: Dental operating microscope, Experimental teaching, Operative dentistry and endodontics