The Role of a General Dentist
There are many reasons why people need a general dentist. These include regular cleanings, preventing cavities and gum disease, improving overall health through proper dental hygiene and helping those with obstructive sleep apnea through oral appliances. However, not everyone understands the role a general dentist plays or how they differ from other types of dental professionals. A general dentist is often considered to be the primary care dental professional for adults and children, as they are trained in a variety of treatments, which are aimed at promoting optimum oral health.
The American Academy of General Dentistry (AAGD) defines the practice of general dentistry as the evaluation, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and adjacent and associated structures; provided within the scope of the dentist’s education, training and experience. It is a unique position that enables the general dentist to be a leader, educator and facilitator of optimal patient care in conjunction with other healthcare providers.
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Despite the fact that general dentists focus on prevention and can work with patients of all ages, they are also qualified to treat a wide range of cosmetic dental issues. A good example of this is teeth whitening, which is an excellent way to improve a patient’s smile and can be done at home. However, a more involved procedure would be the placement of a crown or veneer to correct a damaged tooth.
Other procedures that are routinely performed by general dentists are dental fillings, repairing cracked or chipped teeth and root canal therapy. A root canal is required when a tooth has become severely infected at its centre and, when treated early, is an entirely painless and relatively quick procedure.
General dentists also perform a variety of restorative procedures to improve a patient’s oral health, including dental bonding, dental bridges and implant-supported dentures. In addition, they can repair crooked or misaligned teeth by using orthodontic procedures such as braces and inlays.
Finally, a good general dentist can provide a number of health and wellness services that are not strictly related to the mouth, such as nutritional counseling, advice on smoking cessation or referral to specialists for obstructive sleep apnea. In this respect, they are becoming a valued part of the primary healthcare team.
To be a general dentist, you need to have two qualifications: a bachelor’s degree, usually in the biological sciences, and a Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry from dental school. Following this, you must pass a written and clinical exam and obtain your initial license to practice. After that, you can continue to develop your skills and knowledge by taking postgraduate courses in specialty areas. If you’re considering becoming a general dentist, it’s important to ask around and find out what others think of their experiences. Then, you can decide if this is the right career path for you. It’s also worth reading online reviews before making a decision.