What Does a Dentist Do
What Does a Dentist Do
A dentist is a healthcare professional who specializes in diagnosing, preventing and treating diseases of the teeth, gums and mouth. They provide oral care, perform dental surgery and other related procedures, and educate patients on good oral hygiene practices and healthy eating habits. They also offer a variety of cosmetic treatments for the smile, such as veneers and implants.
Dentists work in a variety of settings, including private dental offices and clinics. They are typically equipped with dental chairs, examination rooms, X-ray machines and sterilization equipment. They may work alone or as part of a team, which includes dental assistants and hygienists.
Many dentists are employed by public health services or educational institutions. Public health dentists develop and implement new dental programs for at-risk populations, such as low-income families or the elderly. They may also conduct research and teach at dental schools.
Dental school is a rigorous process, and it takes several years to complete. Students must first earn an undergraduate degree in a field like biology, chemistry or health sciences. Then they must pass the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). Once accepted into dental school, students spend four or more years in a specialized training program that includes classroom instruction and clinical practice.
Aside from completing a doctorate degree in dentistry, dentists must take continuing education courses to keep their licenses current and stay abreast of advances in the field. They also must obtain malpractice insurance to protect themselves against lawsuits from patients who are dissatisfied with treatment outcomes.
In addition to general dentistry, some dentists choose to specialize in one of nine dental specialties. These include:
Geriatric dentistry, also known as geriodontics: This field is concerned with the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental issues that are commonly associated with aging.
Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics: This specialty deals with straightening the teeth and correcting the misalignment of the jaw. It also involves the treatment of overbites, underbites and other structural problems.
Endodontics: This area of dentistry focuses on root canals, crowns and other restorations. It also involves the repair of cracked or chipped teeth.
Prosthodontics: This area of dentistry is focused on replacing missing teeth with implants, bridges and dentures. It also addresses temporomandibular disorders, or TMDs, which can cause headaches and facial pain.
Pediatric dentistry: This area of dentistry is focused on the care of children and adolescents. It includes examining, diagnosing and treating infants, children and teenagers for oral disease and developmental anomalies. It also includes counseling parents on good oral health habits.
A career in dentistry can be rewarding and exciting, but it can also be challenging. Besides the technical aspects of the job, dentists must be emotionally stable and compassionate to help ease their patients’ fears. They must also be physically fit and have a strong interest in science and math to succeed. They must also be detail-oriented and able to work under pressure. If you are interested in becoming a dentist, speak with a dental school counselor to learn more about the requirements for applying and attending a dental school.
Additional Resources :
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11lbq06IljZg0lOw_PTc3mHoVB-ZQmNDbsrt_xbXxtyk/edit?usp=sharing
https://sites.google.com/view/coral-springs-dentist
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10HEz7_QwINFEZWE-rUlCWSFfp8Dfxlb7
https://dental-clinic-coral-springs.blogspot.com