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Manual Dexterity Task 13


. Using the tweezers provided, transfer 50 nails from Bowl A into Bowl B, after which the examiner will ask you what you think this task is testing.
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Excellent Candidate Approach

Key Tip: As well as testing your manual dexterity, this task also requires a level of endurance and patience, as you are doing a repetitive task continuously. Endurance is important in long dental procedures that may last hours, therefore it is imperative that your fine motor muscles are able to withstand this. The additional requirement to count the number of nails simultaneously is an added requirement with dentists often required to focus and multi-task.

The 4 Cs of Manual Dexterity
 
Calculation – Ensure that you offer a calculated, planned approach rather than rushing into the task. This is best accomplished by: 
  • Taking 30 seconds to review the instructions provided before commencing the task 
  • Ensuring that you have a good understanding of the end target/requirement 
 
Composure – Stay calm and always remember - if you are finding the task challenging, so are other applicants. More important than completing the task successfully, is demonstrating composure and calmness akin to a qualified dentist and this is what interviewers will be monitoring closely. 
 
Co-ordination – Manual Dexterity tasks often test hand-eye co-ordination; ensure that you practice a wide range of manual dexterity tasks prior to your dentistry interviews. 
 
Communication – Approximately one-third of manual dexterity stations will have another participant/actor in the room. In these stations, it is advised to communicate your actions/steps taken to better demonstrate your structured approach