Stomatologist № 4 (31) – 2018, pp. 48-51                                                                                                                                    Experience exchange

Indicators of quality of the LED headlights systems applied in dental practice for local illumination of the operative field

Al.A. Volodkoa, A.A. Volodkob

aBelarusian State Medical University, Minsk, Belarus
bMinsk Central District Clinic, Minsk, Belarus

https://doi.org/10.32993/stomatologist.2018.4(31).9

ABSTRACT
The aim of the studyis to raise awareness of dentists about the possible risk of negative impact of LED headlights systems on the operator’s eyes.
Objects and methods. Review of the international scientific medical literature on the safety of the use of LED headlights systems in dental practice was conducted.
Results and discussion. In dental practice, the illumination of the operating field is provided by local and background lighting. The lighting systems of two types such as a luminaire dental unit or LED headlight can be used as local lighting. Among dentists, headlights LED are popular, which they use in combination with binocular loupes. However, it should be clarified that not all LED headlights meet the necessary requirements. The spectral curve of the light flux should be as close as possible to the spectral curve of daylight with its peak at 550–600 nm. and have a color rendering index (CRI) of 80 units and higher. The light flux should emit a “warm white colour” with a colour temperature (CT) 4000–4300 Kelvin. The last two indicators significantly affect the colour perception of the object. Properly designed illumination systems should have a uniform beam, no changes of beam pattern within the clinician’s working distance range (350–400 mm), high contrast images of anatomical features, and no glare.
Conclusion.. A dentist who starts dental practice should take into account the technical parameters of the LED lighting systems, making a decision when buying it.

Keywords: LED headlights, blue light hazard, LED headlight selection guide

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Correspondence to: Е-mail: avolodko1962@gmail.com