Practice Perspectives of Left-Handed Clinical Dental Students in India

Abstract

Introduction: Handedness becomes important for students during their training period. Limited literature is available regarding the same. Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the dental practice perspectives and determine the hand preference and discomfort level among the Left-Handed (LH) clinical dental students. Materials and Methods: A 30-item survey tool was used to conduct a cross-sectional survey among four successive LH cohorts (third and final year undergraduates, dental interns and postgraduates) in all the dental colleges of Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, during the year 2014. Results: A total of 84 students completed the survey, response rate being 100%. About one-third (37%) reported that their institution was not properly equipped to accommodate LH students. Majority felt that LH dentists were at a higher risk of developing musculoskeletal complications. Mouth mirror handling showed equal distribution for handedness as compared to the other dental activities, whereas discomfort levels were negligible (“without any difficulty”). Dental practice perspective scores significantly correlated with the difficulty levels (r=-0.333, p<0.001). Conclusion: Overall, the left-handers had a right dental practice perspective and their responses indicate a need to address their issues empathetically.

Keywords

• dental practice
• dental students
• handedness
• limitations of left handedness
• manual dexterity
• musculoskeletal complications