Manual Dexterity?

[Devo]

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Hi, I am looking for Densitst/ Student Dentist's (or anyone else who may know)opinions on what level of manual dexterity is required to be an effective dentist. My concern is that I have never been "good with my hands," never could draw at above a 3rd grade level, never handy with a paintbrush, etc. Also, I have a congenital defect in my right hand (I am right-handed) where my ring finger is approx. the length of my "pinky," although it has a full range of motion and is indeed a complete finger, just a "dwarf." Could this present a problem, i.e. with gloves or manuevering instruments, etc.? Thanks for your time!

 

[Doomer]

I had classmates who couldn't draw to save their lives.What's important is practice.Some students will have an easier time but don't despair.It takes more than maual dexterity to be a good dentist.If you have to practice 5X more than someone else who cares?Put the effort in and you'll be rewarded. Best of luck.

 

[archtctura]

Devo I think manual dexterity can be learned and practicing things like building models, drawing, etc... can help. You might want to take a drawing class to develop hand stabilization techniques. I can draw well but since I draw everyday my hands become more steady and responsive. Think about it, you use your legs everyday and can turn on a dime but you don't use your fingers/hands everyday so without practice you are not as accurate. The congenital birth defect will probably have no significance unless it shakes uncontrollably at an unprovoked time. I build model boats and since my first boat was a snap on, I have graduated to wooden ships through practice, it really has helped. Good Luck
W.D.E

FUNNY STORY: My friend who is PGY3 Surgery said he used to suture raw steaks back together to develop surgery techniques.

 

[rocknightmare]

hrm i want do the raw steaks method heh

 

[hockeydentist]

I went on a surgical rotation in high school, and the surgeon busted out these regular dish sponges and gave us the needles and forceps and made us practice for 3 hours. Apparently the sponges when folded over act just like skin as far as the tension. It was interesting and fun at the same time.

You can't pull too tight or you pull the suture right out of the sponge, so it took a little patience and practice but I was able to suture up a sponge, wasn't pretty but it did the job.

 

[rocknightmare]

hrm time to practice hah

 

[trypmo]

I went on a surgical rotation in high school, and the surgeon busted out these regular dish sponges and gave us the needles and forceps and made us practice for 3 hours. Apparently the sponges when folded over act just like skin as far as the tension. It was interesting and fun at the same time.

You can't pull too tight or you pull the suture right out of the sponge, so it took a little patience and practice but I was able to suture up a sponge, wasn't pretty but it did the job.

Cool -- now time to try doing that in a mirror! 😱




P.S. Anybody started with tweezers and a matchstick yet?