Dexterity

[Machination]

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I'm interested in becoming a dentist but have doubts about being able to work so diligently with my hands. I've noticed that my grandmother and father developing hand tremors in older age, making me think the tremors may be genetic. And if so, as an older dentist I would have trouble with simple hand-eye tasks. Can someone inform me on how much dexterity one needs to be a dentist?

 

[SeaBass]

Dentistry requires a fair bit of dexterity but can be acquired through practice by most. I wouldn't let a history of hand tremors in the family deter you from your interest. I know of students who have hand tremors but don't have difficulty while working because your hands are most often anchored on a solid object (eg. againt a patients teeth). In addition, there are some medications, such as propranolol, that can help with hand tremors in certain individuals.

 

[UBTom]

to Machination:

What do you mean by "older age?" If your parents and grandparents developed hand tremors at say 65, then you got nothing to worry about because you will have retired by then. 😀

 

[Machination]

UBTom:

I noticed it in my father when he was about 45, and his mother at 80 has almost uncontrollable hand tremors.

 

[UBTom]

to Machination:

I say go for it. You don't know when the affliction will strike or if it ever will. And if it does after you've had a fulfilling career as a practicing dentist, you can do other things just as fulfilling with your dental education and experience, like teach at a dental school.

If you are really worried about it, perhaps you might want to consult a physician about your father and grandmother's conditions and inquire about your risks of developing the same ailment, and if there are any proactive preventive measures you can take.

If you have the tremors now, then I'd really worry and debate whether or not dental school is a viable choice. But if you don't have any symptoms, live your life and enjoy it to your fullest while you can! Life is short. 🙂

(yeah, yeah, I know, I know. "Enjoyable" is not a really good description of dental school.) 😀