Dentistry School Interviews – How do they test manual dexterity?
Manual dexterity is an essential skill for future dentists. A career in dentistry is very much ‘hands on’ whichever subspeciality you finally end up practicing in. So, it should come as no surprise that dental schools will test candidates have some evidence of this skill in dental interviews and also on the UCAS personal statement.
What is manual dexterity?
If you look at dictionary definitions, you will come across ‘someone's ability to use the hands to perform a difficult action skilfully and quickly so that it looks easy’. Whilst I would not necessarily agree with the ‘looks easy’ bit, dentists do have to perform complex surgery and also reduce the risk of any complications.
Looking into manual dexterity further, you will have to be able to use instruments, grasp and manipulate small objects and be able to coordinate small precise movements. You also have to do this safely to ensure the welfare of patients.
How do I develop my manual dexterity skills?
The easiest way to do this might be taking up a hobby that involves using your hands in a fine coordinated manner. Some ideas include art and painting, sculpting, sewing and knitting. Some musical instruments also require fine hand eye coordination. You need to start this sooner rather than later as this is a skill that can be improved and developed with practice. You must write something about your manual dexterity skills in your UCAS personal statement.
How do dental schools assess manual dexterity in interviews?
Traditionally dental schools have given you a task that involves hand eye coordination. These could be asking you to follow a set of instructions to accomplish a task (for example assembling pieces of a puzzle). They also could ask you to bend wires or other flexible material to fit a certain shape or pattern. You could be asked to manipulate small objects, such as buttons under time pressure. These types of stations can be more difficult if you are anxious and tend to develop a tremor as a result.
Also expect direct questions about what you have done so far that demonstrates that you do have some manual dexterity skills. In addition, you can mention manual dexterity in indirect questions, for example if you are asked some of the qualities of a dentist.
How has COVID-19 changed the way dental schools assess manual dexterity in interviews?
I think this is such a fundamental skill that dental schools will not wish to leave an assessment of manual dexterity out of any interview. Even if the interview is online and virtual, there are ways in which manual dexterity can be assessed. We have reports of students being sent packets containing small items to their home address to be used during the interview. If you have examples of work that you have done that demonstrates manual dexterity you may be able to show this to the examiner in your virtual interview.
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