Thumb surgery before dental school? Help

[FloorMatt]

I'm in need of assistance! I have repeatedly sprained my thumb in the past 5 years (+6 times) playing sports such as basketball and football. I have almost always decided on letting it heal without going to a doctor but it has gotten very unstable and now and I'm headed a specialist. If I need some kind of surgery on the thumb ligament and won't be able to use my right hand for a little when school starts, will the school suspend me? Or is the first year not really hands on experience? Also, I've been thinking about it for a while but can I start dental school lefty even though I've used my right hand for everything my whole life?

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[Master Yoda]

I would call them and ask. How long do you think the healing will take?

 

[MentalFloss2016]

Depends on the school. Some schools throw you into some clinical stuff right away (D1 Fall) and some none at all in first year. It is best to call and find out.

Any surgery takes 6 weeks minimum to heal and then you will likely need some PT/rehab beyond that. You have time to heal if you do it soon.

 

[MahiMahi]

How soon you'll need your hands depends on the school!

I'd see that specialist ASAP and figure out the state of your hands first. Maybe it's nothing serious and you'll be fine, for example. Once you know more, then you can evaluate what to do.

 

[D1ForLifeSon]

I STRONGLY doubt your school will suspend you. Go get your thumb checked out, do what you need to do. Let the school know. Dont stress it too much. I had surgery on my right wrist in the middle of my 2nd semester 1st year.. kept it bandaged, wrapped it with a trash bag any time in lab, pre-clinic or cadaver lab.. Better now than later when you have actual patients and are in clinic much more often...