What does a dentist do?

A dentist provides care for a patient's teeth, gums, and oral health. They provide a range of services.

dentists

repair fractured teeth, fill cavities, remove cavities, straighten teeth, apply sealants, whiten patient teeth, and educate on proper oral hygiene. Dentists are trained professionals who help care for teeth and mouth.

Seeing your dentist regularly can help you maintain a good level of dental health, which can have a direct impact on your overall well-being. The dentist is a doctor who is specially trained to care for your teeth. When you visit for a checkup, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums to check for problems. The dentist also wants to make sure that your teeth develop properly as you grow.

Compare job obligations, education, job growth, and salary for dentists with similar occupations. This table shows a list of occupations with work tasks similar to those of dentists. 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 generally need 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 you should also visit the dentist regularly to keep your teeth strong and healthy. Demand for dentist services will increase as studies continue to link oral health to general health.

Dentists, especially those with their own offices, may need to manage staff or advise other dentists. Like all physicians, dentists must be extensively trained in their practice before becoming certified. 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.

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 also typically pursue a pre-dentistry or pre-medical major in their undergraduate degree before entering dental school. Always seek advice from your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider if you have any questions about a medical condition or treatment.

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.

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