Dentists frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for dentists to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
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• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for dentists to be able to:

• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
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• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.