hand dexterity

[pipeto]

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This question goes to dental students and practicing dentist:

I am a Pre-dental junior, I’ve been wanting to go to dental school since I was a freshman but now there is something that is bothering me. How difficult is it to develop hand dexterity and how important is it?

I can play guitar and piano fairly good, however, I've never done any detailed fine motor activities with my hands (my handwriting sucks and I am a lefty). The other day I was trying to fix my camera with a small screwdriver and I got frustrated because of how small the screws were. But it was probably because I'm not used to doing small scale work. Do you think that the manual part of dentistry is something that:
a) You're born with
b) Anybody can pick up in 2-4 years of clinical practice
c) Requires extreme dedication if you want to be good at it
d) None of the above

Any feedback will help. Thanks

 

[lgwdnbdgr]

Do you think that the manual part of dentistry is something that:.[/COLOR]
a) You're born with
b) Anybody can pick up in 2-4 years of clinical practice
c) Requires extreme dedication if you want to be good at it
d) None of the above

Any feedback will help. Thanks

Based on the comments of my professors as well as my personal experience, I'd say "all of the above." (Including "none of the above.")

Some of my classmates are naturals. They pick up a handpiece, take a quick look at our handouts and prep a pretty nice looking cavity.

Some of us, like yours truly, have stone hands. We need a bit more work. But, unless you have a serious medical problem, you'll get it. The exact amount of time and dedication will vary from person to person, but everyone eventually gets it.

If you get a chance to visit some first year dental students, ask to see the very first cavity prep they ever did in the preclinic. You'll feel MUCH better about your own skills. 🙂

 

[210116]

I agree with lgwdnbdgr ...natural ability varies. Some people have a natural ability while others need to constantly hone their skills. A lot of it has to do with eye sight... make sure if you wear glasses or contacts that the prescription is up to date. If you can play a musical instrument, I think you've got good enough hands for dentistry.

My first preps are certainly laughable... so don't be upset... just keep practicing and your skills as well as speed will increase throughout your lab and clinical experience.

Mike

 

[KOM]

I'm a righty and have fing perfect handwriting. Always have. You can't compare dentistry to ANYTHING, and you will curse under your breath ALL THE MOFING TIME starting out. I did.

I'm a perfectionist so I know what I'm trying to make my prep look like, however, with such small dimensions I'll never make it look ABSOLUTELY IDEAL in my eye! That's my downfall...and I imagine it's the same way in practice. Somewhere along the line you just need to stop...look at it...and say it's functional, it will last a long time, and make up for anything you lack in dexterity with interpersonal skills because that seems to matter more in the end.

A person will go back to the same dentist over and over if they like him/her regardless if their crown keeps failing.

 

[akb22]

I have to agree with all those before me, I had NO idea just how detailed dentistry would be until I started with the handpiece. There are times when I get frustrated with those around me who pick it up faster than me and times when I get mad at myself when I just don't get it. I think some are just naturals but if you truly love it, you will get better and better and one day your preps will great (marginal if you ask any of the faculty but then again they have been doing it for umpteen years). And then after umpteen years, everything we do will be second nature, at least that is what I am hoping!! 😉

 

[KOM]

I think some are just naturals but if you truly love it, you will get better and better and one day your preps will great (marginal if you ask any of the faculty but then again they have been doing it for umpteen years). And then after umpteen years, everything we do will be second nature, at least that is what I am hoping!! 😉

Remember, these guys that are grading us know exactly what the prep (ideally) is supposed to look like just like many of us.

Could they produce this ideal prep every time? No.