Experiences of Left-Handed Undergraduates in a Dental Faculty in Malaysia
10.21315/aos2019.14.2.383
- Author:
Wan Mohamad Nasir
1
Author Information
1. Department of Periodontology and Community Oral Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Collective Name:Azlan Jaafar; Rahimah Abd Wahab; Khairunnisa’ Harun; Aws Hashim Ali
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Left-handedness;
dental students;
psychological;
dental procedures;
grip-strength.
- From:Archives of Orofacial Sciences
2019;14(2):147-156
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Work environment in dentistry benefits the right-handed dental practitioners. This situation requires
the left-handers to work in an adjusted position causing them discomfort and inconvenience. The aim
of this study was to explore the experiences of the identified left-handed undergraduate dental students
in Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) in performing dental procedures. The
first phase of the study was to determine handedness of the students using the Edinburgh Handedness
Inventory Questionnaire that was distributed to all the dental students. This was followed by a
qualitative study using the phenomenology approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted on
left-handed students to determine their perceptions on left-handedness in performing dental procedures.
The number of students interviewed was based on attainment of the saturation point. The interview
was recorded and transcribed verbatim. The transcripts were analysed through coding, categorising and
grouping responses into themes. Prevalence of left-handedness in this faculty was 7%. The participants
were not aware of the right-handed situation when they enrolled in the faculty. This situation gave rise
to psychological impact such as anxiety and stress. Although some participants were able to use their
right hand for certain procedures, the dominant hand continued to be their preference. The difficulties
encountered when using the non-dominant hand were grip-strength, angulation and positioning of the
instruments. Dental procedures in periodontology (such as scaling, root debridement) and oral surgery
(tooth extraction, incision and suturing) were found to be very challenging. They experienced muscle
fatigue, reduced precision and prolonged time to complete the dental procedures. They felt that they
should be given more time to adapt using the right hand under the tutelage of left-handed faculty
members. Left-handed dental students faced difficulties in adapting to the right-handed situation and
affect their effectiveness and efficiency. Specific activities need to be designed for left-handers to adapt
to the situation under the guidance of left-handed faculty members.
- Full text:2.2019my0180.pdf
