A specialized medical doctor specializing in diagnosing, treating, and preventing dental diseases and abnormalities of the oral cavity. The dentist’s support team helps in providing dental health services to patients. Dental specialists perform surgical procedures like root canal treatment, teeth cleaning, and implant surgeries. They also handle dental implants and dental prosthetics. They also educate patients on dental health.
Children have congenital heart disease, dental cavities, gum diseases, implants, molars, wisdom teeth, and mental retardation. To cater to these diverse needs of children, a pediatric dentist provides treatment for these conditions. A dentist treats adults with dental problems and makes sure that children are taken good care of.
A dentist provides comprehensive oral health care services to patients by offering preventative services, periodontal services, sedation services, periodontal disease treatment, orthodontic services, etc. These services improve the overall health of the patient and help them lead an everyday life. By ensuring that a patient gets proper oral health care, the dentist reduces the risk of getting infected with the oral virus.
Dentists perform a variety of treatments and surgeries such as root canal treatment, dentures, and bridges, porcelain veneers, lumineers, orthodontic braces, maturation of gums, bonding, periodontal surgery, root canal therapy, etc. They provide treatments based on their expertise and experience. Some of them are a periodontist, a dentist, a prosthodontist, and a dental assistant. All these have to be done to ensure a healthy smile and good oral health.
Depending on the rules and regulations of a particular state, some procedures might not be performed by dentists in some states. Family dentist For example, in some states, teeth extraction is not allowed. Similarly, the number of hours of training differs from state to state. Therefore it is necessary to know what is required by your state before going to a dentist.
In the United States, the most common type of dentist is the general practitioner. Generally, these are registered dentists who perform checkups, take care of minor dental hygiene problems, prescribe medicines, etc. Most of them work at hospitals and clinics, although some of them work privately. However, the patients who visit these dentists must be given an adequate reason explaining why they are visiting the dentist and what they need to do as per the dentist’s instructions.
A specialty within this field includes orthodontists, plastic surgeons, endodontists, pediatricians, gynecologists, dentists, etc. Some specialties also include pediatric prosthodontists, dental hygienists, nutritionists, and orthodontists. Some specialize in diseases like diabetes, heart disease, cancer, mental retardation, obesity, etc.
Oral surgeons deal with the treatment of disorders of the maxillofacial region and other facial tissues. They perform various types of surgeries such as facelifts, bite reclamation, facial implants, liposuction, mentoplasty, enameloplasty, blepharoplasty, etc. Some of them practice in hospitals and are specialized in treating facial injuries. They perform various procedures, including mouth reconstruction, gum surgery, ear surgery, and plastic surgery.
All states have specific minimum educational and experience requirements for aspiring dentists. Although candidates usually must pass written proficiency examinations, most of them can apply for licensure without it. In some states, candidates pass written exams and then pass a board exam accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Applicants can either go through a dental school or take a step-by-step training program offered by a few dentists’ organizations. Once they clear the state exam, they can get a license.
Different states generally have different regulations for how many years of residency are needed before a dentist can practice there. Dentists can either have two or four years of specialties. After that period of specialization, they can switch to general or family dentistry. However, in some states, if you have been in another state for less than five years, you can only practice oral medicine and optometry. You can check with your local division of the American Dental Association to find out if you are eligible.
Some states require dentists to have a bachelor’s degree in science to practice there, while others require a master’s degree or higher. Dentists who want to specialize may have to complete a specific number of credits to become board certified. The United States Department of Education also has a website where you can find information about the education and licensing of dentists. Contact the State Board of License or Registry of Denture Examiners for complete details.