Issue

Description

Standard/Physical Requirement

Mobility

Physical ability, strength and stamina

Standard work day requires various abilities including standing, walking, sitting, bending, flexing, lifting, twisting, stooping, kneeling, reaching and stretching to gather and stock supplies, operate equipment (office and dental), and perform required functions of patient oral care.  Often must lift, carry or move objects weighing up to 40 pounds. Occasionally must assist patient position or transport requiring lifting in excess of 40 pounds.

Motor Skills

Physical ability, coordination, dexterity

Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to perform required functions of patient oral care; hand-wrist movement, hand-eye coordination, and simple firm grasping required for fine motor-skill and manipulation; fine and gross finger dexterity required;

Comprehension

Comprehend and process information; calculations

Engage in written and oral directives related to patient care, focusing and remembering information given by faculty to assimilate and apply to patient care; comprehend and process instructions readily; perform mathematical functions regarding anesthesia administration.

Tactile

Use of touch

Normal tactile feeling required.  Sensitivity to heat, cold, pain, pressure, etc.

Hearing

Use of auditory sense

Ability to hear and interpret many people and correctly interpret what is heard; i.e., dentist orders whether verbal or over telephone, patient complaints, physical assessment, fire and equipment alarms, etc.

Visual

Use of sight

Acute visual skills necessary to detect signs and symptoms, body language of patients, color of wounds and drainage, and possible infections anywhere.  Interpret written word accurately, read characters and identify colors on the computer screen.

Critical Thinking

Ability to problem solve

Integrate information through critical thinking based on information gathered on patients during clinical sessions, and during class sessions that are applied to the clinical process.

Communication

Speech, reading, writing

Effective use of English language. Communication abilities sufficient for effective interaction in verbal, nonverbal & written form

Effectively interacts with the environment and other persons. Fluent in English.  Absence of speech impediments, ability to communicate with wide variety of people and styles, ability to be easily understood.  Reading, writing, recording, and documenting critical patient information required.

Behavioral

Emotional & mental stability

Functions effectively under stress; flexible, concern for others; able to provide safe dental care environment with multiple interruptions and noises, distractions, and unexpected patient needs.