3 answers
Ella
Student
Long Beach, California
1
Question
Asked
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Can visually impaired or physically disabled people become dentists? Can you get time extensions in dental school if you have accommodations
I am completely blind in my left eye and I was wondering if I could still work in the oral cavity with limited vision. I am also in a wheelchair and I was wondering if there were any physically disabled dentists.
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3 answers
Michael Cadra
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, physician and dentist
29
Answers
Nipomo, California
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Ella,
While I agree with in many ways with the previous reply, I think that you will have a difficult time if you only have monocular vision. CODA, the Commission on Dental Accreditation does set strict standards for both entrance to dental school and graduation. All dentists must complete the curriculum in dentistry prior to specialization. True,, vision of the posterior oropharynx has been greatly improved with magnification and lighting that attaches to eye protection goggles or glasses. There are multiple dental specialties that do not necessarily require binocular vision such as Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, and Dental Public Health, all had to pass examinations that require demonstration of fine motor skills that probably be near impossible without binocular vision.
Each dental school has a statement of "Technical Standards" for prospective and current students. One example is:
1. MOTOR SKILLS
GENERAL: A candidate should have a sufficient level of manual dexterity such that he/she is able to execute the fine
movements required to provide general dental care and treatment to patients within a specified amount of time.
SPECIFIC: It is required that a candidate possess the manual motor skills necessary to directly perform, diagnostic and
treatment maneuvers associated with the practice of general dentistry. Such maneuvers require coordination
of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium, and functional uses of the senses of touch, hearing
and vision.
SPECIFIC: A candidate must be able to perform basic life support (including CPR), transfer and position disabled patients,
and position and reposition self around patients in various treatment settings. The candidate must be able to
operate dental equipment controls utilizing fine hand movements, position and move dental instruments and
move in all directions within one millimeter of tolerance. Candidates must be able to work in the proper
ergonomic positions appropriate to the delivery of dental treatment for extended times.
I would explore the website of your dream dental school looking specifically at "Technical Standards" required. Then contact the associated office and explain your situation in detail.
I also recommend examining the medical profession. There are multiple specialties that do not necessarily require binocular vision.
Good luck on your pursuit of a career in the health professions.
While I agree with in many ways with the previous reply, I think that you will have a difficult time if you only have monocular vision. CODA, the Commission on Dental Accreditation does set strict standards for both entrance to dental school and graduation. All dentists must complete the curriculum in dentistry prior to specialization. True,, vision of the posterior oropharynx has been greatly improved with magnification and lighting that attaches to eye protection goggles or glasses. There are multiple dental specialties that do not necessarily require binocular vision such as Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, and Dental Public Health, all had to pass examinations that require demonstration of fine motor skills that probably be near impossible without binocular vision.
Each dental school has a statement of "Technical Standards" for prospective and current students. One example is:
1. MOTOR SKILLS
GENERAL: A candidate should have a sufficient level of manual dexterity such that he/she is able to execute the fine
movements required to provide general dental care and treatment to patients within a specified amount of time.
SPECIFIC: It is required that a candidate possess the manual motor skills necessary to directly perform, diagnostic and
treatment maneuvers associated with the practice of general dentistry. Such maneuvers require coordination
of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium, and functional uses of the senses of touch, hearing
and vision.
SPECIFIC: A candidate must be able to perform basic life support (including CPR), transfer and position disabled patients,
and position and reposition self around patients in various treatment settings. The candidate must be able to
operate dental equipment controls utilizing fine hand movements, position and move dental instruments and
move in all directions within one millimeter of tolerance. Candidates must be able to work in the proper
ergonomic positions appropriate to the delivery of dental treatment for extended times.
Michael recommends the following next steps:
Steven Bornfeld
dentistry
24
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Steven’s Answer
I can't give you an absolute answer re: visual impairment. The main hurdle initially is getting admitted to dental school. The main question is whether not having binocular vision will impair your ability to do dentistry. One could make a case either way. I would be inclined to say it WOULD be possible to deliver quality dentistry with only one good eye. I think you might inquire with the admissions office of dental schools. So I agree with Dr. Cadra here.
What I can also say is that there are dentists out there practicing with impaired vision. I have myself never in 44 years of practice been required to demonstrate my own visual acuity. When I was in school in the early/mid '70s, we had a lovely older professor who'd graduated dental school in 1924. He was definitely visually impaired, but as he said half-jokingly, "most dentistry is done by sense of touch". That is partly true, but IMO people with seriously impaired vision shouldn't be involved in direct patient care.
As far as other disabilities, there was a young man in my class who had a severe stroke at age about 23 and became hemiplegic (paralyzed on one side). He went into practice with a specially-trained assistant and was successful. Another classmate developed multiple sclerosis and continued practicing for years. The main issue is if the disability makes someone unable to directly treat patients even with accommodations.
Continue to gather information insofar as information is available. I would be interested in hearing anything you find out.
Good luck to you!
What I can also say is that there are dentists out there practicing with impaired vision. I have myself never in 44 years of practice been required to demonstrate my own visual acuity. When I was in school in the early/mid '70s, we had a lovely older professor who'd graduated dental school in 1924. He was definitely visually impaired, but as he said half-jokingly, "most dentistry is done by sense of touch". That is partly true, but IMO people with seriously impaired vision shouldn't be involved in direct patient care.
As far as other disabilities, there was a young man in my class who had a severe stroke at age about 23 and became hemiplegic (paralyzed on one side). He went into practice with a specially-trained assistant and was successful. Another classmate developed multiple sclerosis and continued practicing for years. The main issue is if the disability makes someone unable to directly treat patients even with accommodations.
Continue to gather information insofar as information is available. I would be interested in hearing anything you find out.
Good luck to you!
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
617
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Ella,
Absolutely! Pursuing your dream of becoming a dentist is both admirable and entirely possible, even with visual and physical disabilities. Visually impaired or physically disabled individuals can become dentists, and there are several examples of successful dentists with disabilities. Many dental schools and professional organizations are committed to providing the necessary accommodations.
Visually Impaired Dentists:
- It is possible to work in the oral cavity with limited vision. Some dentists have successfully adapted to visual impairments by using enhanced lighting, magnification devices, and other assistive technologies. Developing strong tactile skills and relying on other senses can also help in performing dental procedures.
Physically Disabled Dentists:
- Dentists in wheelchairs have successfully adapted their practices to accommodate their physical needs. Modifications to dental offices, such as adjustable dental chairs and accessible equipment, can help facilitate a more efficient and comfortable working environment.
Accommodations in Dental School:
- Dental schools in many countries are required to provide reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities under laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States.
- Time extensions on exams, modified clinical settings, and additional support services are common accommodations for students with disabilities.
To pursue a career in dentistry:
1. Contact Dental Schools: Reach out to the admissions offices of the dental schools you're interested in to discuss your specific needs and learn about the accommodations they offer.
2. Professional Associations: Organizations like the American Dental Association (ADA) or similar bodies in other countries can provide resources and support for dentists with disabilities.
3. Technology and Adaptations: Explore assistive technologies and adaptive strategies that can help you work effectively in the dental field.
Your determination and the right support can help you achieve your goal of becoming a dentist, despite the challenges.
Best wishes!
Absolutely! Pursuing your dream of becoming a dentist is both admirable and entirely possible, even with visual and physical disabilities. Visually impaired or physically disabled individuals can become dentists, and there are several examples of successful dentists with disabilities. Many dental schools and professional organizations are committed to providing the necessary accommodations.
Visually Impaired Dentists:
- It is possible to work in the oral cavity with limited vision. Some dentists have successfully adapted to visual impairments by using enhanced lighting, magnification devices, and other assistive technologies. Developing strong tactile skills and relying on other senses can also help in performing dental procedures.
Physically Disabled Dentists:
- Dentists in wheelchairs have successfully adapted their practices to accommodate their physical needs. Modifications to dental offices, such as adjustable dental chairs and accessible equipment, can help facilitate a more efficient and comfortable working environment.
Accommodations in Dental School:
- Dental schools in many countries are required to provide reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities under laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States.
- Time extensions on exams, modified clinical settings, and additional support services are common accommodations for students with disabilities.
To pursue a career in dentistry:
1. Contact Dental Schools: Reach out to the admissions offices of the dental schools you're interested in to discuss your specific needs and learn about the accommodations they offer.
2. Professional Associations: Organizations like the American Dental Association (ADA) or similar bodies in other countries can provide resources and support for dentists with disabilities.
3. Technology and Adaptations: Explore assistive technologies and adaptive strategies that can help you work effectively in the dental field.
Your determination and the right support can help you achieve your goal of becoming a dentist, despite the challenges.
Best wishes!
Thank you so much Ms. Okafor. I'm just kind of nervous that patients won't want to be treated by a disabled doctor. I may just be paranoid but that's always been a thought in the back of my mind.
Ella
Glad I could help. There is ability in disability!
Chinyere Okafor