A dentist is a trained professional who provides care for a patient's teeth, gums, and overall oral health. They offer a wide range of services, from repairing fractured teeth and filling cavities to straightening teeth, applying sealants, and whitening patient teeth. Additionally, they educate patients on proper oral hygiene. Visiting the dentist regularly is essential for maintaining good dental health and overall well-being.
When you visit the dentist for a checkup, they will examine your teeth and gums to look for any potential problems. They also want to ensure that your teeth are developing properly as you grow. To compare job obligations, education, job growth, and salary for dentists with similar occupations, take a look at the table below. The What They Do tab describes the typical tasks and responsibilities of workers in the occupation, including the tools and equipment they use and how accurately they are monitored. This tab also covers different types of occupational specialties.
The Similar Occupations tab describes occupations that share tasks, skills, interests, education, or training similar to the occupation covered in the profile. Dentists must have a DDS or DMD degree from a dental program that has been accredited by the Dental Accreditation Commission (CODA). Brushing and flossing are important, but regular visits to the dentist are also necessary to keep your teeth strong and healthy. Demand for dentist services is expected to increase as studies continue to link oral health to general health. Dentists may need to manage staff or advise other dentists. All dental school programs include clinical experience where students work directly with patients under the supervision of a licensed dentist.
After finishing dental school, dentists must take and pass the National Dental Exam to become licensed professionals. Orthodontists typically pursue a pre-dentistry or pre-medical major in their undergraduate degree before entering dental school. During a routine checkup, a dental hygienist or dentist will examine your mouth and teeth and look for basic oral hygiene. If you're pregnant, actively using tobacco, or have ongoing medical problems, a dentist can also help you monitor your health, as can your doctor. For the past two years, dentists have been working with patients under the supervision of a licensed dental school. Dentists recommend that teeth be cleaned routinely to keep gum tissue healthy and prevent periodontal disease.
Dentists use modern technology and equipment such as x-ray machines, lasers, drills, brushes, scalpels, and other medical tools when performing dental procedures. The basic expectations of a general dentist are visual inspections and evaluation of tooth and gum health, x-rays of teeth and gums, treatment of sleep apnea, dental sealants, minor dental procedures such as tooth decay removal, root canal treatments, crowns dental and cleaning. Always seek advice from your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider if you have any questions about a medical condition or treatment.
