A dentist, also referred to as a cosmetic dentist, is a doctor who specializes not only in the diagnosis treatment, prevention, and maintenance of oral conditions and diseases but also in the aesthetic vision of the mouth. The dentist’s support team helps in providing proper oral healthcare services. Dentists are required to obtain a formal degree from a school that is accredited and participates in professional indemnity insurance program.
Oral health refers to the condition of a person’s teeth, gums and oral cavity. The oral cavity includes the entire structure of the inside of a tooth including the jawbone, pulp, and dentin. Most diseases of the teeth and gum are caused by inflammation or infection of these tissues. Other disorders and conditions are caused by structural abnormalities such as misaligned enamel; worn teeth; and teeth with gaps or divots. An experienced dentist can help in detecting the early stages of these conditions and treat them before they progress. In addition, a dentist can prevent further damage by performing specific therapeutic procedures such as inlays and crowns.
To practice dentistry in most states it is necessary to have a degree from an accredited dental school. Although there are no specific prerequisites for obtaining a degree in dental school, most schools require a minimum GPA on academic work in order to participate in dental school and graduate with a bachelor’s degree. Some states also require a licensed dentist to be board certified before a person can take the licensing exam.
Students entering the dental field today must pass the NCLEX-PN (practical) or ICD-9 (clinical competence) examinations to get licensure. After passing these two tests, he or she will need to sit for the first state-administered exam given by the National Council for Accreditation of Cosmetic Schools. Then, he or she will need to pass the third test given by the Council of Colleges of Dental Medicine. In order to become a dentist, one needs to complete the course work required by the National Association of School Dental Assistants. It takes at least four years to complete this program.
The second step is to get licensed after sitting for the required number of hours. This will allow the dentist to legally treat his or her patients and start earning money. A dentist may also choose to become a dental hygienist. With this additional education, a hygienist will understand the importance of oral health and how it relates to a person’s overall health. He or she will be able to diagnose certain dental problems and refer their patients to appropriate specialists.
General dentistry includes procedures such as diagnosing and treating cavities, removing plaque from the teeth, and cleaning teeth and gums. A dental hygienist focuses more on preventive health care, such as taking care of gums and teeth. A patient may visit a general dentist for preventive care such as removing a tooth that has become infected with pus. This will prevent the formation of bacteria in the mouth. General dentists do not perform surgical treatments.
There are specialized dentists who specialize in treating particular diseases. These dentists usually have more than twenty years of experience in providing treatment for their specific fields. Dentists who specialize in diagnosing oral diseases can perform several procedures, such as x-rays, computerized tomography, laser scanning, corneal biopsy, and sclerotherapy.
There are many ways to diagnose oral diseases. A dentist has to make sure that his or her patient is healthy and in good overall health. A dentist can diagnose gum disease by looking at the width and gums of the teeth. The teeth and gums should be firm and clean. If there are any visible signs of inflammation or infection, the dentist will need to perform an antibiotic treatment before trying to diagnose gum disease.