Dental magnification: a clear view of the present and a close-up view of the future.

The dental operating microscope (DOM) is revolutionizing dentistry like no other technology. It has evolved from a humble beginning as a pure observation tool into today's most important standard-setting technology. The high quality magnification and illumination that the DOM provides is currently used for observation, treatment, diagnosis, documentation, image management, replication, and education. Three-dimensional microscopy systems are currently being developed and used, and hold great promise for future advances.