Abstract

Clinical Difficulties among Left Handed Dentists, Dental Students and Interns-A Cross-Sectional Survey in Saudi Arabia

Background and objective: The practice of dentistry largely depends on manual dexterity and hand skills. Appropriate position and equipment according to the dominant hand is very important for safe and effective dental practice. Most of the dental chairs used in training or dental practice are designed to be used by right handed dentists. The aim of the study was to assess whether left-handed (LH) dental students and dentists faced any problems during their course of study or in dental practice and their perspectives based on their discomfort.

Methods: A questionnaire was used the survey tool to conduct a cross-sectional survey among LH dental students, interns and dentists.

Results: A total of 152 LH dentists and dental students completed the survey. 52.6% of the participants reported sometimes having a problem in being LH to do the required dental work. 31.6% of the participants reported having a problem with RH instructors. Only 20.4% reported they can easily use devices manufactured to be used by RH dentists. 77 % reported that patients complained of their working from the left side of the dental chair.

Conclusion: The findings of this study support a need for alterations to learning environment and personalized teaching to better support LH students in their learning experience to avoid difficulties faced by them and to provide adequate working environment for LH dentists.

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