Finding the right fit at annual Loupes Fair

Maya Bokunewicz, a first-year dental student, tries on dental loupes during UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry’s annual Loupes Fair on Oct. 8. Photo by Kyle Rogers.

The UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry Chapter of the American Student Dental Association hosted its annual Loupes Fair on Oct. 8, bringing more than 200 dental and dental hygiene students together to try loupes firsthand and compare brands and features.

Although the fair is geared primarily toward first-year students, it was open to all four predoctoral dental classes and both dental hygiene classes, with some residents also attending. Seven vendors participated, giving students the opportunity to explore options and speak directly with representatives.

“Being able to try different loupes firsthand was incredibly valuable in understanding the importance of magnification, field of view, and ergonomics in clinical dentistry,” said Maya Bokunewicz, a first-year dental student. “Having all the companies together in one place allowed me to compare brands directly and identify which features I value most.”

Having multiple vendors in one place also helped students evaluate practical differences between products. “My peers and I were able to distinguish well between different loupes, comparing weight, clarity, and service between the companies to find what works best for us,” said Brittain Tran of the DDS Class of 2030.

Classmates Ty Carter and Tyler Leest, both first-year dental students, also valued the opportunity to try different loupes in person. Carter said the experience helped him evaluate how the loupes felt and how they aligned with his working distance while beginning to build a relationship with a vendor representative. Leest appreciated the variety of options and the ability to choose features based on his preferences.

Finding loupes that meet individual needs can help students establish ergonomic habits they carry into clinical practice.

“By trying options side by side and receiving live feedback, students can assess magnification, comfort, fit, field of view, and ergonomics before investing in an essential clinical tool,” said Grace Quarterman, a second-year dental student and the ASDA chapter’s marketing chair.

The Loupes Fair is one of the chapter’s major fundraisers, with vendor registration fees supporting student participation in professional meetings, leadership development opportunities, and community service activities.