307 - A Handpiece in the Hand of a Left-Handed Dentist

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine if left-handed dentists have the perception that they are at a disadvantage in using handpieces. This is due to the fact that handpieces remove tooth structure in the clockwise direction, which has been found to be more ergonomic for right-handed users.

Methods: A survey will be electronically distributed to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and dental students at Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of University of Southern California (USC). The survey will incorporate details such as the participant’s age, handedness, years of experience with utilizing a handpiece, career status, and comfort levels in the workplace and handling a handpiece. It will also ask the participant if they sense a discrepancy in the workplace between right- and left-handed dental providers regardless of their own handedness.

Results: Pending Descriptive Statistical Analysis

Conclusion: This study hopes to identify if left-handed dentists have the perception that they are at a disadvantage in using handpieces, due to their limited clockwise direction in surgical removal of tooth structure. Findings from this study may help identify any discomfort they experience when learning and mastering their skills in handling a handpiece. Furthermore, the intent is also to shed light on the difficulties left-handed dental trainees experience regarding their education in providing dental care. We are hopeful that awareness of these disparities results in production of dental equipment designed for left-handed dentists as well as possible catered education.

 

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