Department

What Does a Dentist Do?

A dentist has many responsibilities, and one of the most important is promoting good dental hygiene. This helps to prevent complications in your mouth or other parts of the body.

A dentist also diagnoses and treats problems of the gums, teeth, and mouth. Dentists use modern technology and equipment like X-ray machines, lasers, drills, brushes, scalpels, and other medical tools when performing dental procedures. They also wear protective equipment like gloves, masks, and safety glasses to prevent the spread of germs or bacteria.

Some common dentistry tasks include:

Teaching people about dental hygiene

Filling cavities

Removing buildup or decay from teeth

Repairing or removing damaged teeth

Reviewing X-rays and diagnostics

Giving anesthesia

Putting in fillings or sealants

Checking the growth of teeth and jawbones.

Dentistry requires a team approach, and the dentist is the leader. Working with the dentist are dental assistants, hygienists, and lab technicians. Together, the team ensures that people get quality dental care.

Education and Training

A dentist is a doctor, so they complete a path of study that’s similar to that of a medical doctor. The first step is to complete an undergraduate program in a related field like biology, chemistry, health, or math, and earn a bachelor of science degree. Next is a dental admissions test, which you need to take to apply for dental schools.

The training process includes:

Completing two years of biomedical science studies, followed by two years of clinical practice

Earning a doctor of dental surgery (DDS) or doctor of dental medicine (DDM) degree

Getting a dental license by passing written and practical exams

Dentists may then choose to get certified by taking the National Board Dental Examination. Depending on the area of specialty, dentists may have to complete a postgraduate residency of one to three years.

Dentists can choose to specialize in one of the following areas, each of which requires a postgraduate residency:

Dental public health

Endodontics

Oral and maxillofacial pathology

Oral and maxillofacial radiology

Oral and maxillofacial surgery

Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics

Pediatric dentistry

Periodontics

Prosthodontics

Reasons to See a Dentist

There are several reasons to see a dentist, and it’s important to go for a dental checkup every six months.

Preventive Care

First, your dentist will check for any signs of mouth cancer, gum problems, or dental decay. Checking on these things regularly helps to prevent more serious problems down the road.

Your dental hygienist will also clean your teeth to remove plaque and tartar buildup, which are causes of tooth decay and gum disease. Together, your dentist and hygienist can give you some tips on how to best take care of your teeth at home.

Pain or Discomfort

If you’re feeling pain or discomfort in your teeth, mouth, jaws, or gums, it’s time to see a dentist. Pain or swelling in the neck, mouth, or face can be a sign that something isn’t right. Similarly, if you notice your gums are bleeding or if you’re having trouble chewing or swallowing, you should also schedule a dental care visit to see what the causes could be.

Maintenance and Health

If you have already had a dental procedure, it’s important to make sure that everything is still as it should be. If you’re pregnant, actively using tobacco, or dealing with ongoing medical issues, a dentist can help monitor your health too, just like your medical doctor.