Aim: In dental education, possessing advanced eye–hand coordination and fine motor skills is of critical importance for students. Accordingly, the present study aimed to evaluate the association between the 2D:4D digit ratio, manual dexterity performance, and preclinical course success among dental students. Materials and Methods: This study involved 63 student volunteers studying in the Faculty of Dentistry, in 2023. The students carved maxillary central incisors, canines, and first molar teeth from soap. The lengths of students’ index finger and ring finger in the dominant hand were measured, and O’Connor finger dexterity test was applied. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS v23. Depending on the distribution, t-test, Pearson correlation, Mann–Whitney U, and Spearman rho correlation tests were used (p < 0.05). Results: Women completed the finger dexterity test in a shorter time than men (p = 0.003). A statistically significant negative moderate relationship was noted between the participants’ score for carving central incisors and finger dexterity test results (r = −0.415; p = 0.001). A statistically significant negative weak relationship was present between their score for carving molars and finger dexterity test results (r = −0.311; p = 0.013). There was also a statistically significant positive weak relationship between the scores for molars and dominant hand 2D/4D ratio (r = 0.292; p = 0.020). Conclusions: These tests may facilitate the identification of students who require additional practical training and contribute to curricular adaptation accordingly.
ÖĞÜNÇ et al. (Tue,) studied this question.