Rock climbing and dentistry

[mcider]

The last thread I found about dentists who climb was from 2005, so I'm hoping to get some updated feedback.

Have any of you climbers out there found that you've either developed issues from climbing or dentistry that effected the other.

I've had tendonitis in both my elbows (which is very mild... I can still climb just have to be careful) and in a finger, which if it were to happen while practicing would severely impact my fine motor skills until healed.

Also- I'll be applying to dental schools in Boston, I'm pretty sure Tufts has a gym, any others around to relieve that dental-school-stress?

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[pietrodds]

find a new hobby... seriously as a dentist, you can't afford to take out a 300K loan for your education then have a hobby that could jeopardize your income. Anything that is a risk to either your back or hands isn't work it. It's not like an MD where you can still make a living for your intellect... a DDS without his hands is worthless.

 

[mcider]

find a new hobby...

Harsh my friend, but you do raise an excellent point. Luckily I am not an idiot and have had to learn my limitations.

I feel like there are benefits to more "gentle" climbing, such as stronger fingers/ arm muscles; which, correct me if I'm wrong, could increase one's endurance for a long surgery.

 

[armorshell]

a DDS without his hands is worthless.

All the oral pathologists in the US now officially hate you.

 

[Harvey]

The last thread I found about dentists who climb was from 2005, so I'm hoping to get some updated feedback.

Have any of you climbers out there found that you've either developed issues from climbing or dentistry that effected the other.

I've had tendonitis in both my elbows (which is very mild... I can still climb just have to be careful) and in a finger, which if it were to happen while practicing would severely impact my fine motor skills until healed.

Also- I'll be applying to dental schools in Boston, I'm pretty sure Tufts has a gym, any others around to relieve that dental-school-stress?

Do what you want to do. If you get into Boston, Rumney is 2 hours away up in NH and it is one of the best sport climbing areas in the country. Also Boston has some great indoor climbing gyms. Just be smart when you climb like not putting your fingers through the gate of your quickdraw when leading, ect. School can be brutal at times, you need to be able to release stress doing what you enjoy.

PS After climbing for 2 1/2 hours I started my first molar endo the following day and I was fine.

 

[pietrodds]

All the oral pathologists in the US now officially hate you.

All 20 of them... the other 150,000 dentists out there probably wouldn't agree more.

The beauty of this country is that you're free to do as you please. Just don't go crying when you 45 and have arthritis of the fingers and dread driving to work every day. Also, check your disability and life insurance policies because they love to add exclusions to your policy for doing high risk behaviors such as the one you mentioned... then you and your family are really up crap creek. You only get one body so why chance it when your livelihood in dentistry is so dependant on it functioning fully. Is it really that are to find another hobby/passion that doesn't tax your body, especially hands?

 

[mcider]

Do what you want to do. If you get into Boston, Rumney is 2 hours away up in NH and it is one of the best sport climbing areas in the country. Also Boston has some great indoor climbing gyms. Just be smart when you climb like not putting your fingers through the gate of your quickdraw when leading, ect. School can be brutal at times, you need to be able to release stress doing what you enjoy.

PS After climbing for 2 1/2 hours I started my first molar endo the following day and I was fine.

So basically you're pretty awesome. I don't sport climb... I think it's a little out of my comfort zone (plus I am yet to take a lead climbing course). But indoor gyms will do me just fine for stress relief! Thanks for the info🙂

Pietrodds obviously does not understand the love of this sport. Which if you learn how to climb properly and perhaps avoid V.9 bolder probs your risk of injury is much less. You could easily get run over by a car crossing the street, it's all about being careful and knowing your limits.

 

[aphistis]

All the oral pathologists in the US now officially hate you.

S'ok, pietro can take them both on at the same time.

 

[kitejunky27]

dont give up what you love

passions are what make life truly great

if you can take it easy and have fun go for it, but if you need to be pushing yourself to have fun dont let your career stop you. You only live once.

 

[ucla2134]

oh sh%%
I wrote on my secondary that i enjoyed rocking climbing. The Adcom must think i am ******ed and stupid