Manual Dexterity - Max Number of Tools

[DenTalFluoride]

I’m currently a dental assistant and starting dental school this summer. To practicing dentists, do you consider the higher number of tools you can effectively hold in your hands at once practice for manual dexterity?

For instance during a filling, I can retract with a mirror and hold a saliva ejector with my left hand then my right hand to interchange for the high volume, air-water, light cure, gauze, or some other combination. Is this worthwhile to practice or do you consider this hazardous and reckless to the patient? My dentist doesn’t seem to mind.

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[schmoob]

I’m currently a dental assistant and starting dental school this summer. To practicing dentists, do you consider the higher number of tools you can effectively hold in your hands at once practice for manual dexterity?

For instance during a filling, I can retract with a mirror and hold a saliva ejector with my left hand then my right hand to interchange for the high volume, air-water, light cure, gauze, or some other combination. Is this worthwhile to practice or do you consider this hazardous and reckless to the patient? My dentist doesn’t seem to mind.

That's something you don't have to worry about for a while. Sort of like worrying about the benefits of driving with your knee before getting a drivers license doesn't make sense.

 

[Saddleshoes]

I suspect working on your manual dexterity at this point will be a waste of your time.
If you are as skilled as the DA's I work with, you will be about 2 years ahead of your most of your classmates on the manual dexterity thing.

 

[2TH MVR]

Working in Corporate .... I've noticed being able to manipulate a number of different items an asset. The staff is just not as helpful as private practice.