Dental hygiene, general practice and oral surgery are all excellent fields of dentistry. However, that doesn’t mean that one is better than the other. Instead of focusing on which branch of dentistry is best for you, instead think about what interests you most. It takes a lot of training to become a dentist, and each specialty requires its own level of expertise. If you are dentist but not sure which area of dentistry is right, this article will help you to find. Read on to learn more about the different branches of dentistry and which one might be right for you!
What is Dental Hygiene?
The Dental hygiene is the branch of dentistry that focuses on preventing and treating oral diseases, as well as educating patients about proper oral health and hygiene practices. Dental hygienists are experts in everything related to oral health and hygiene, and work closely with dentists in both clinical and non-clinical settings. Dental hygienists play a crucial role in oral health and the health of the rest of the body, so choosing this branch of dentistry is a wonderful decision! If you decide to become a dental hygienist, you will likely spend most of your time providing preventative services, such as cleaning teeth, removing plaque, applying sealants, and offering advice and education on oral health and hygiene.
What is General Dentistry?
General dentistry, also known as general practice, focuses on treating all types of oral diseases and disorders, from oral infections and tooth decay to oral health and smile issues. The goal of this branch is to keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong for as long as possible. General dentists are trained to treat all ages, both children and adults, as well as special needs patients. General dentists are also trained to provide oral surgery procedures, such as wisdom teeth removal, extractions, and dental implants.
What is Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery?
Oral and maxillofacial surgery is the branch of dentistry that focuses on oral diseases, disorders, and injuries that affect the mouth and jaw. In addition to treating oral problems, oral and maxillofacial surgeons also treat complex medical conditions, such as facial paralysis, craniomaxillofacial trauma, and sleep apnea. Many dentists decide to also become oral and maxillofacial surgeons because of the wide range of treatments that are covered. However, oral and maxillofacial surgeons undergo extensive training and are licensed to perform more surgeries than general dentists.
What is Dentistry for Adults?
Dentistry for adults deals with the prevention and treatment of diseases and disorders that affect the teeth and gums. Dentists who specialize in dentistry for adults are trained to treat patients of all ages, from children to seniors. Dentistry for adults includes the treatment of tooth decay, tooth sensitivity, and periodontal disease. Dentists who specialize in dentistry for adults may also treat patients who have experienced trauma to the teeth or gums, including those who have undergone oral surgery.
Conclusion
Dentistry is a very rewarding career choice, and one that you should seriously consider as a potential career path. With so many different branches dentistry to choose from, it can be hard to decide which one right for you. The best way to choose a branch of dentistry is to think about which one interests you most. You can then look into the requirements and daily responsibilities of each branch to help you make a final decision. If you have always had an interest in helping others and you are passionate about oral health, dental hygiene is a great choice for you. If you are interested in oral and maxillofacial surgery, you will be able to help patients with complex medical conditions that affect the jaw and mouth.
