DENTISTRY 101. The dentistry profession is a field of health care dedicated to preserving the oral health of your teeth, gums, and other oral tissues and organs in and around your mouth. Dentists are also called dentists because they can take care of the most minute details of your oral health. The most important aspects of dental care and prevention of oral diseases are:
Good Oral Hygiene Dentistry begins with good oral hygiene. This means brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day. You should visit your dentist every six months for a professional cleaning. Your dentist will remove plaque buildup, tartar, and any stains that you may have on your teeth. Your dentist will also examine any problems that may be visible underneath your teeth.
Diagnosing the Different Types of Oral Diseases Dentists use various methods for diagnosing different types of oral diseases. The most common methods of diagnosing include: clinical diagnostics, radiological diagnosis, laboratory diagnostic techniques, x-rays, and referral services. These various diagnostic techniques help dentists treat various oral diseases.
Dental Education and Certification Dental care and dental schools prepare students to provide quality care to patients. Most dentists require you to obtain a dental degree from a dental school before they will consider accepting you as a patient. A dental degree program prepares students to provide high quality care for patients. It includes both classroom instruction and one-on-one work with experienced dentists. The curriculum teaches students about the causes of tooth decay, oral diseases, and the best ways to prevent tooth decay and plaque buildup.
Preventive Dental Care Dentists work to prevent gum disease and cavities by providing a range of preventative services. Dentists work closely with patients to prevent tooth decay and gum disease by performing comprehensive oral health assessments and ensuring that patients follow recommended oral health treatment plans. The primary goal of preventative dental care is to prevent tooth decay and plaque buildup. This prevents the growth of oral bacteria that cause cavity growth and oral diseases such as gum disease and oral cancer. Preventive dentistry also involves regular visits to a dentist for a variety of treatments.
Forensic Dentistry This field of dentistry incorporates the study of how dental materials are damaged or destroyed as a result of crime scenes. Dentists who specialize in forensic dentistry are responsible for preserving the physical evidence associated with dental crimes. They conduct dental autopsies on suspected criminals and collect tissue samples from the teeth and gums of their victims. Dentists use dental laboratories to preserve dental evidence for up to 6 years.
Emergency Dentistry If an emergency arises and your dentist is unable to treat the problem before it is too late, emergency dentistry is the answer. Emergency dentists work to save the life of those people involved in car accidents by conducting the necessary oral care required for such emergencies. Emergency dentists receive specialized training in responding to emergencies in a timely manner.
In conclusion, there are numerous specialties available to dentists. Each specialty requires additional training and skill to become certified. Dentists can train for specific specialties through the DDS exam or they can take the exam for the profession. Once a dentist passes the required exams, he or she must be re-certified every two years or the specialties change. This is one reason why dentists must stay abreast of the latest information about their field. It is a combination of knowledge and technology that ensures quality dental care.
It is important to know which service areas dentists specialize in. Then, you can decide which service areas you wish to see. There are many areas of dentistry where a person can select to focus in, so if your primary passion is in pediatrics, then you would do well to pursue a career as an orthodontist. You can also choose from an extensive list of areas in which dental care is offered such as endodontists, orthodontists, dentists, and prosthodontists.
Some areas of dentistry are regulated by state law. For example, in Florida every dentist must register with the Florida Office of the State Dentistry and Oral Surgery Board. The Board offers courses in basic and advanced dentistry. These courses help prepare students for the state licensing examination. Then, these students must pass the board’s comprehensive examination that covers many subjects in dentistry. Once the student passes the examination, he will be eligible to take the board’s accredited practice tests.
In addition to these, dentists must meet certain requirements including completion of a post-dentistry residency. Res residencies are typically three years and allow dentists to remain in top shape in their field. In addition, each year dentists attend a teaching conference that allows them to update their skills, knowledge, and practice relating to oral health problems. The conferences also allow dentists to meet with other professionals and exchange ideas and information on how best to improve the quality of life through preventative measures and surgeries.