Should I even think of becoming a dentist if..

[AzN989]

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I already have some problems with my hands? For the last 6/7 months I have had to deal with repetitive stress injuries that have afflicted my hands/wrists. These injuries were caused by excessive use on the computer. I had some pain in my wrists for like 2 months and then the pain subsided with some avoidance of the computer... then when I started to work on the computer more, it came back... They are not really too severe.. nothing needing surgery but annoying nonetheless.

I still have a while before I actually apply to dental school but I like to have an idea of my future plans.. Do you guys think I should actually not consider dentistry if I currently have some RSI? I am just kind of afraid they might be long term. It would seem to be pretty annoying if I had to deal with similar problems while I am at a dental school... thanks

 

[Mackchops]

Nevermind dental school... that's only four years. What about the other 30+ years of your career?

It's true that dentists are susceptible to a lot of RSI. Most of the old faculty at our school are hunched all the way forward, can't see a thing, and no doubt have some arthritis going on. However, they're at our school because they love what they do and want to continue doing dentistry in whatever capacity they can.

I would speak with a doctor/therapist about your hand problems and find out if there's anything you can do to at least limit the pain. If you want to be a dentist I say go for it... but I would get some professional opinions first as well as some therapy/exercises before you're 3 years in, 200k in debt, and unable to use your hands without pain.

 

[UCSF2012]

That's your call, but for crying out loud, get a new keyboard! Microsoft Natural's very ergonomic.

 

[vberries]

I have a similar situation to Azn989. Except, it's more like my wrist cracks and my elbow cracks (due to tennis elbow). They don't hurt or anything, but just worried since the cracking isn't normal. But I want to be a dentist really badly, can't think of anything else I'd want to do for the rest of my life. So I'd say go for it, but just get insurance once you graduate =). BTW, any advice on what to do about the cracking? Do you guys think it'll become a big problem in the future?