Background. Clinicians usually expect manufacturers to provide properly adjusted surgical telescope products. However, to ensure optimal selection and adjustment, the clinician must understand certain contributing factors, particularly the optical declination angle.
Methods. The authors have developed a simple, stepwise approach for determining a clinician’s optimal working posture and declination angle. This information is then applied to each specific surgical telescope to assist the clinician in ascertaining whether the telescopes comply, or can be made to comply, with the individual needs of the clinician.
Results. After the optimal working posture and declination angle have been identified and defined, any surgical magnification system can be evaluated for suitability and proper adjustment.
Conclusions. Declination angle is a key feature in the selection and adjustment of surgical telescope systems, permiting telescopes to be adjusted to meet the clinician’s needs instead of forcing the clinician to make compromises to fit the telescopes.
Clinical Implications. Properly selected and well-adjusted surgical telescopes can enhance dental operating postures and positions, resulting in sound clinical ergonomics. Poor selection and adjustment can result in poor postures and positions.
