Non-Dominant Manual Dexterity

[IrishTwins]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hi, I'm a possible pre-dent and was wondering if anyone had some good insight into how much manual dexterity is needed with the non-dominant hand? In highschool a sustained an injury to my non-dominant hand. I have practically 100% function for every day use. The only problem that ever flares up is occasional cramping after holding certain prolonged positions, like holding a can to open the lid with a can opener. Do you think this would be a problem or limit me from practicing as a dentist? I don't want to go any further in the game without knowing the answer to whether or not this is even a possible career choice for me.

Thank you in advance!

 

[Vicviper]

You should be alright, the most difficult thing you have to do with your off hand is usually holding the mirror to retract the cheek, and that mostly uses the thenar muscles (on your palm under your thumb). I know what you're talking about though, I broke my wrist (of my dominant hand) in highschool playing football, and although I occasionally get flare ups, I've never really run into any problems yet in the pre-clinic.

 

[jeffity]

I was worried about this too. I'm older as it is, but I feel like I've got grandpa hands. I asked the dentists I shadowed with about this before I even considered taking the plunge into the dental world. I was that worried about it. They said the same thing: don't worry too much about it. You've got a face to steady yourself (just kidding...kind of).

If you're crazy disabled, you could always look into hand therapy. Sounds ridiculous. The only reason I think of it is because my brother a hand physical therapist. That's it. Clean and easy. He gives me little exercises and has lots of devices for improving function and dexterity. He has one of those Purdue pegboards sitting around too. Doesn't hurt to practice.

 

[Saddleshoes]

Hi, I'm a possible pre-dent and was wondering if anyone had some good insight into how much manual dexterity is needed with the non-dominant hand? In highschool a sustained an injury to my non-dominant hand. I have practically 100% function for every day use. The only problem that ever flares up is occasional cramping after holding certain prolonged positions, like holding a can to open the lid with a can opener. Do you think this would be a problem or limit me from practicing as a dentist? I don't want to go any further in the game without knowing the answer to whether or not this is even a possible career choice for me.

Thank you in advance!

I agree, it should not be a problem.

I damaged my left hand with prolonged jackhammer use while I worked my way through college doing heavy labor work. It is only a problem if I have to use the mirror to retract for long periods of time. So I train my DA’s to do most of the retracting to avoid that problem. When it flares up I can usually shake it off. If it is persistent some ibuprofen will always do the trick.

 

[IrishTwins]

Thanks for the input, everyone. I really appreciate you taking the time to help give me some invaluable insight! I feel a lot better about it now. I had a feeling it would be okay, considering I never have much trouble with it anyway, but I wanted to be sure there wasn't intense use of the off hand that I wasn't anticipating. Anyway, sounds like I'll be fine, and I'm really excited! I just recently made the decision to become pre-dent, but I'll be applying this fall. Have to squeeze in a lot of shadowing and volunteering, and a DAT before then, so it should be an exciting 6 months.

 

[bigstix808]

i have broken both my thumbs (one of them broke and blew out joint capsule - non dom hand) and i'm doing ok. albeit, i was experiencing some pain last semster from during the dental anatomy/waxing course as holding the die in place for long periods of time put a good amount of strain on that joint. i have been to an occupational therapist and she evaluates me every few weeks (4-5) to make sure nothing has gotten worse. i also do small exercises she taught me while sitting in class - that helps a ton! i have been more or less pain and discomfort free ever since. even if you don't decide on dentistry, it might be a good idea to have it looked at and evaluated by a professional anyway just to see what your options are.