Dentist

What is a dentist?

Dentists are healthcare providers who diagnose and treat oral health conditions. They help keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape. Like physicians, dentists are doctors who help support your overall health.

A dentist can do a wide variety of procedures, including:

• Check-ups to assess the health of your teeth and gums.
• Preventive care, like cleanings, fluoride and sealants, to keep your mouth healthy.
• Restorative dentistry to repair or replace damaged or missing teeth.
• Cosmetic dentistry to enhance the appearance of your smile.

Dentists can also prescribe medications when necessary. These can include:

• Anti-anxiety medicines to treat dental phobias.
• Antibiotics to prevent and treat bacterial infections in your mouth.
• Sedatives to help you relax during dental procedures.
• Pain relievers to reduce side effects associated with oral health conditions.

Types of dentists

General dentists often practice family dentistry. They offer a broad range of services, from sealants and teeth whitening to fillings and dental implants. General dentists are probably who you imagine when you think about visiting the dental office.

But there are dental specialists, too, including:

• Endodontists: Root canal specialists who focus on treating conditions inside your tooth.
• Oral surgeons: Specialists who do extractions and other complex surgeries involving your mouth and teeth.
• Orthodontists: Dental specialists who focus on aligning your bite with braces, clear aligners and other appliances.
• Pediatric dentists (pedodontists): Dentists who specialize in treating oral health conditions in children.
• Periodontists: Dental specialists who focus on treating gum disease and other conditions affecting the tissues that support your teeth.
• Prosthodontists. Dentists who specialize in making tooth prosthetics like crowns, bridges and dentures.

There are other dental specialties, too. For example:

• Public health dentists develop programs that affect the larger community, including those who don’t have access to regular dental care.
• Forensic dentists work with the legal system to identify victims and analyze crime scene evidence (like bite marks).

How often should you go to the dentist?

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends visiting your dentist regularly for exams and cleanings. Twice a year works for many people, but you might need more frequent visits if you’re prone to cavities or gum disease.

Visiting your dentist regularly helps detect oral health issues before they worsen — saving you time, worry and money in the long run.

You should also schedule an appointment with your dentist if you develop:

• A toothache.
• An abscessed tooth.
• Bruxism (teeth grinding).
• Chipped or broken teeth.
• Jaw pain.
• Mouth ulcers.
• Persistent bad breath (halitosis).
• Swollen, bleeding gums.
• Tooth sensitivity.

What if I’m anxious about visiting the dentist?

Fear of dentists is common. Maybe you even avoid necessary dental care due to anxiety. If you’re nervous about visiting the dentist, tell your provider. Many dentists offer sedation options to keep you comfortable during procedures.

What’s the difference between a DDS and a DMD?

If you live in the U.S., you may see one of two titles following a dentist’s name:

• DDS: Doctor of Dental Surgery.
• DMD: Doctor of Dental Medicine (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry).

If you see either of these titles, it means that your dentist graduated from an accredited dental school. A DDS and DMD receive the same amount of training and can do the same dental procedures.

How long does it take to become a dentist?

In the U.S., general dentists usually go to school for eight years. This includes four years for undergraduate studies and four years to complete dental school. Dental specialists go to school for 10 to 11 years. This includes four years for undergraduate studies, four years to complete dental school, plus two to three years to complete a residency program.

What’s a board-certified dentist?

Board certification by organizations like the American Board of General Dentistry and the Academy of General Dentistry means that a dentist commits themselves to excellence in their field. Following graduation from dental school or residency, a dentist who wishes to become certified must pass rigorous testing that includes written, oral and clinical exams.