A general dentist is one who specialises in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of teeth and gums. General dentists often work with patients to prevent future dental issues. They identify potential problems early on and create a plan to correct those issues before they become bigger problems. General dentists are also known as primary care dentists. They focus their training on diagnosing and treating common oral diseases and disorders. General dentists can be specialists in certain areas like orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, or periodontics. A general dentist usually completes four years of undergrad, three years of dental school, and one year of residency training; though these requirements can slightly vary from state to state.
What does a general dentist do?
â’ A general dentist is one who specialises in overall dentistry, or treating both children and adults. General dentists provide preventive and restorative care, and can also perform oral surgery.
✦ General dentists also help patients with questions about oral health, such as how to clean your teeth and how to floss.
â’ Dentists can also provide cosmetic dentistry services, including teeth whitening and dental implants.
✦ General dentists often focus on services related to teeth and gums, such as teeth cleanings, tooth extractions, fillings, and root canals.
â’ Furthermore, these dentists can treat a wide range of issues, including tooth decay and cavities, gum disease, broken teeth, and oral piercings.
✦ They can also make dentures for patients who have lost teeth, or fit patients for braces to straighten teeth.
Types of General Dentistry
Endodontics: This is the art of treating the inner tooth and root (endodontics). Hence, the dentist who specializes in this procedure is known as an endodontist; he is a specialist in root canals.
Periodontics: This is the art of treating the gum line (periodontics). Hence, the dentist who specialises in this procedure is known as a periodontist; he specialises in gum disease and oral surgery.
Prosthodontics: This is the art of fabricating dentures, bridges, and other artificial teeth (prosthodontics). Furthermore, the dentist who specializes in this procedure is known as a prosthodontist; he specializes in fitting patients with dentures and implants.
Paediatric dentistry: This includes the physiological and psychological aspects of dental care for infants, children, and adolescents (paediatric dentistry). The dentist who specialises in this procedure is known as a paediatric dentist; he specialises in the oral health of children.
Orthodontics: This is the art of correcting the position of the teeth and jaws (or orthodontics). The dentist who specializes in this procedure is known as an orthodontist; he specializes in straightening teeth and correcting misalignment.
Education and Certification of a General Dentist
A general dentist must complete a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and a dental degree, which takes at least eight years of full-time study. Most general dentists complete specialized training in one or more specialties. Furthermore, all states require general dentists to have a state license. To practice general dentistry, one must complete a minimum of two years of post-doctoral clinical training. After completing post-doctoral training, a dentist could be certified by the American Board of Endodontics, American Board of Periodontology, American Board of Orthodontics, American Board of Prosthodontics, or American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
Job Responsibilities of a General Dentist
As a general dentist, you would, of course, be responsible for performing oral care procedures for patients who come to see you for treatment. You would also need to keep accurate records of your patients’ dental histories and would be expected to help them maintain healthy teeth and gums. They typically spend a good portion of their time performing preventative dental procedures like cleanings and fluoride treatments.
General dentists may also be responsible for creating braces and dental prosthetics, like dentures. Because general dentists work with patients who have a variety of dental needs, they must have a wide range of knowledge and skills related to dental health and dental procedures. They must be able to perform basic dental procedures, like fillings and root canals, as well as more complex procedures, like dental implant surgery.
Conclusion
Dentists are those who specialise in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of teeth and gums. They often work with patients to prevent future dental issues and create a plan to correct those issues before they become bigger problems. In conclusion, general dentists can be specialists in certain areas like endodontics, periodontics, or pedodontics. They usually complete four years of undergrad, three years of dental school, and one year of residency training.
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