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Dentist Information from Absolute Dental What is a dentist?The practice of "dentistry" is the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of conditions in the oral cavity. There are many different terms for doctors who practice dentistry, but the most common reference for this type of doctor is "dentist." Additionally, there are other support occupations involved in the practice, from dental technicians, dental therapists, dental assistants and dental hygienists. While these support occupations are certainly important, they are not certified and licensed doctors in the practice of dentistry, and therefore cannot be referred to as "dentists." Only a person who has completed the necessary training programs and schooling involved in the state certification process can legally call themselves a "dentist". All dentists in the United States must graduate high school and completed the required courses for certification. These courses involve, but are not limited to, biology, chemistry and physics. Most dental schools require the applicant to possess a bachelors degree, and must have taken the DAT, or Dental Admissions Test. Most dental |
schools require four years of training, as well as a post-graduate residency program. The newly graduated doctor is awarded the DDS (Doctor Of Dental Surgery) or the DMD (Doctor Of Dental Medicine) depending on the school that was attended, but both degrees mean essentially the same thing.
Through the training that they received in school and in their residency, dentists can carry out a wide variety of procedures, including diagnosis, examinations, taking x-rays, cleanings, fillings, extractions, restorations, crowns and bridges. There are additional specialized services that may not be carried out by general dental practitioners, but are available through referrals. These specializations include braces (orthodontics,) prosthetics (dentures,) root canals, and periodontics. Dentists are licensed to prescribe medications and pain killers that serve in treatment of the head and neck.
Dentists are required to have additional qualifications to carry our more complex procedures involving surgery, anesthesia and implants. Although general dentists and specialized dentists both assist in the prevention of disease of the head and neck, a broader range of medical conditions can be discovered through routine examination, as systemic diseases like osteoporosis and diabetes are often alluded to through poor conditions inside the mouth. Your dentist is a vital part of your overall health, and should be part of your health routine in order to maintain the best physical condition you can be in. Contact Absolute Dental today to schedule your checkup.
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