Do you need to have decent art skills to become a good dentist?

[LidocaineMane32]

Im starting dental school this year and am probably the least artsy person I know. I’m not very good at drawing and am kinda concerned that these lack of art skills may translate over to wax ups or other dental work. Is it possible to become a good dentist without being a good artist?

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[HatInTheCat]

Yes and no. The lab will create for you. Most of the skills in dentistry you’ll pick up by practice and doing the work. For some people, dentistry and the hand skills come easier because they’re creative. For most, it’s a matter of time before they develop the eye and attention to detail needed to do daily bread and butter dentistry.

Don’t stress. Work hard. Practice. Learn shortcuts. Do what works for you.

Congratulations and good luck!

 

[TanMan]

You don't need decent art skills. That's what lab technicians are for.

 

[Alpha Centauri]

No. Your "artistic ability" comes naturally with hand skills and your logical understanding of dentistry

 

[yappy]

No

 

[blablabla1]

I could barely draw stick figures before dental school.

I still can barely draw stick figures (maybe that's why I'm doing ortho)

But, I am going to be graduating dental school regardless.

The handskills will come. You will just need to be patient with yourself and realize it takes everyone a different amount of time to really start to get it. Make sure you put in the time in the lab to catch up if you feel like you're getting it a bit slower than others.