- Perform Examinations. A general dentist examines patients through observation and use of equipment and tools such as dental mirrors, picks and X-ray machines.
- Treat Issues. A general dentist might clean teeth to remove plaque and tartar to help keep a patient's teeth, gums and mouth healthy.
- Teach Prevention. ...
- Other Duties. ...
What procedures does a general dentist do?
Unlike specialists, who are mostly focused on a particular aspect of dental practice, general dentists provide a wide array of services that are vital to your continued health, including: Preventive services — These help you maintain good oral health by stopping disease before it takes hold in your ...
What services does a general dentist provide?
· General dentists serve on the front line of diagnostic and preventative procedures for the public. We can diagnose and recognize the early stages of dental disease in the patient’s mouth and treat the disease before the condition progresses too far.
What are the daily duties of a dentist?
· General dentists can diagnose and treat the causes of tooth pain or periodontal (gum) disease. They may also offer treatments for missing teeth, place crowns or bridgework, and help you get fitted with dentures. Some provide more advanced treatments, such as root canal therapy, orthodontics services, and dental implants services, as well.
What dentists should know?
What does a Dentist do? A dentist performs many important duties in the maintenance of oral health. Check-ups are a major part of the job and are important for patients keeping on top of their oral care. In addition to general check-ups, general dentistry involves basic treatments that can be done at a regular dental office.
What is the difference between dentist and general dentist?
They also offer the same services a general dentist offers. The main difference between the two is that a family dentist specializes in dental procedures for all ages. Instead of visiting multiple dentists, you can take care of your family's dental needs in one convenient location.
What does it mean to be a general dentist?
A general dentist is your primary care dental provider. This dentist diagnoses, treats, and manages your overall oral health care needs, including gum care, root canals, fillings, crowns, veneers, bridges, and preventive education.
What are the most common procedures done by a general dentist?
10 Most Common Dental Procedures and How They Work1 – Teeth Cleanings. This is by far the most common reason people visit the dentist. ... 2 – Teeth Whitening. Like cleaning, whitening is a relatively discomfort-less process. ... 3 – Extractions. ... 4 – Veneers. ... 5 – Fillings. ... 6 – Crowns. ... 7 – Root Canal. ... 8 – Braces/Invisalign.More items...
What is the difference between orthodontist and general dentist?
Orthodontists typically specialize in aligning teeth and jaws, while dentists can help patients achieve a cleaner, healthier smile through cleanings, X-rays, and even surgery.
Do dentists have the title Dr?
The ASA and CAP understand that since 1995 the General Dental Council (GDC) had permitted its members to use the title “Dr”, provided it is clear that it is a courtesy title only and it is not otherwise implied that they are qualified to carry out medical procedures.
Is family dentistry same with general dentistry?
They both offer same services but the main difference is that, a family dentist is specialized in dental procedures for all ages, whereas, general dentists restrict their patients to a specific age group.
What is the most complicated dental procedure?
Implants are one of the most complex dental procedures, but this doesn't mean bad news. The dentist will numb the nerves of the area with local anesthesia during the process. You may feel pressure at times, but it won't cause pain.
What are 2 common dental procedures?
Common dental proceduresFillings. Dental fillings are used to treat teeth that have cavities or decay. ... Dental crowns. Dental crowns are used to repair teeth that have been badly damaged by decay or injury. ... Tooth extractions. ... Dental implants. ... Braces.
What comes under dental treatment?
If there's a problem, your dentist will explain the treatment options and give you an estimate of the cost and the time it will take.Professional teeth cleaning. ... Dental fissure sealants. ... Dental fillings. ... Root canal treatment. ... Dentures. ... Mouthguards. ... Orthodontic treatment. ... Subsidised dental treatment.
Can a normal dentist do braces?
Yes, general dentists can provide orthodontic treatment and some do so to a very high standard. However, in most cases they are unlikely to have the same level of experience and training as a specialist orthodontist.
What are the different levels of dentistry?
In general, there are seven types of dentists:General Dentist.Pedodontist or Pediatric Dentist.Orthodontist.Periodontist.Endodontist.Oral Pathologist or Oral Surgeon.Prosthodontist.
Can a BDS do braces?
“Orthodontics is a specialty in dentistry which can be pursued only after the completion of BDS.
What Do General Dentists do?
Of an estimated 143,000 dentists practicing in North America, some 80 percent are general dentists. Unlike specialists, who are mostly focused on a...
What Qualifications Do General Dentists have?
After completing their undergraduate education, all general dentists have successfully completed four years at an accredited dental school. In addi...
When Should I See The Dentist?
The short answer is: every six months for preventative services—and otherwise, whenever you have a concern about your oral health. You may have a c...
What is a general dentist?
The general dentist dealt with all of the problems that people had with their teeth and gums. A dentist is no longer the town barber. The dentist will have gone to school for many years and will have worked in a residency to learn the craft.
What does a dentist do?
One of the most important things that a general dentist does is cleaning of the teeth and gums. The general dentist can remove the bacteria and other buildup that can occur despite regular brushing and flossing. They will also provide a fluoride treatment that protects the teeth further.
What happens if a cavity is detected?
If a cavity is detected a general dentist is qualified to correct it. The earlier that a cavity is discovered, the easier it is to fix
Do dentists specialize in gums?
A dentist is no longer able to handle all of the care for a person’s gums and teeth. Dentists now specialize in different areas. They get extra training to provide their patients with the best care possible. While there are plenty of dentist that specialize in various areas, there is still a need for the dentist that practices general dentistry. ...
Can a general dentist recommend a specific doctor?
The general dentist may or may not recommend a specific doctor to go to, but they should be able to tell a person what type of specialist is needed for the patient. There is nothing wrong with going to a general dentist that understand their limitations.
What do general dentists do?
General dentists learn how to perform extractions and gum or oral surgery. Some dentists love it and perform frequent surgeries, while other dentists focus only on cosmetics and refer the surgeries to other dental providers. It’s all a matter of preference.
What is the most common dentist?
The most common dentist is a general dentist . In fact, approximately 79% of all dentists in the US can be considered general dentists and some wonder what general dentists do. We learn to perform most dental procedures except for very complicated advanced dental procedures which require additional training, degrees or certifications.
Do dentists do root canals?
General dentists train to perform root canals, although once again it’s a matter of preference.
Can a dentist do dental implants?
Any general dentist can perform the placement of dental implants, although it is advised to have had additional implant surgery training from an accredited advanced learning center. Once again it’s a matter of preference.
How many procedures do dentists learn?
Since many wonder what do general dentists do on a daily basis, it may surprise some that general dentists learn over a hundred different procedures. Just one look at the dental insurance codebook will illustrate this and some categories include:
Do dental hygienists take X-rays?
The hygienists update changes in patient’s health histories, take digital X-rays and then treat their patients, either for gum treatment or regular cleanings depending on the health of their gums. I visit the patient during the cleaning to address any issues with their mouth and schedule follow-up treatments, if needed. The dentists, including myself, will see our patients in the treatment room that the assistant prepared for the day’s given procedure.
How long does it take to get into dental school?
Once students pass the competitive process, they are accepted to dental school, which is generally a four year program. The first year includes all science classes, including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology and pharmacology. In the second year students start to experience some diversity of classes specifically designed for what general dentists do, including dental and oral anatomy, oral pathology and oral histology. We also begin to practice our skills on dental patients, starting with basic oral health care instruction and treatment. The second year student performs work on dental models of the mouth and teeth, usually in wax or stone. This trains the hand/eye coordination on an item as small as a tooth for the budding dentists.
What is general dentistry?
General dentists offer preventive and restorative services, such as x-rays, teeth cleanings, cavity fillings, and sealants. Unlike specialists, who focus on one specific area of dentistry, general dentists offer a wide range of treatments and procedures. They also treat patients of all ages.
What percentage of dentists are general practitioners?
The most common dental care providers are general dentists, who make up about 80 percent of practitioners. The other 20 percent consists of dental specialists, including: 80 percent of dental practitioners are general dentists. 20 percent of dental practitioners are dental specialists. General dentists offer preventive and restorative services, ...
What is a full set of fake teeth called?
Dentures are full or partial sets of fake teeth.
What happens at the second dental visit?
During the second visit, the restorations are fitted to the teeth and any necessary adjustments are made. Patients currently have a few indirect restoration treatments to choose from, including:
What is the purpose of a dental crown?
The primary purpose of a dental crown is to restore decayed, missing, or cracked tooth structure. Although, unlike veneers, they are not cosmetic.
How to prepare teeth for indirect restoration?
The first step is to prepare the teeth by removing decay and preparing them for the indirect restoration. Then an impression is made. Lastly, your dentist sends the impressions to a dental laboratory to be created. During the second visit, the restorations are fitted to the teeth and any necessary adjustments are made.
What is the best material to restore teeth?
Amalgam is a mixture of up to 54 percent mercury with silver, tin, and copper. This material is commonly used to restore back teeth (premolars and molars). Conventional Glass Ionomer (CGI) is another tooth-colored restorative material. Glass ionomer is not as durable as amalgam or composite.
What is general dentistry?
General dentistry covers a wide range of procedures that includes the initial consultation and diagnostics such as x-rays, CAT scans, and wax molds for replacement teeth. He or she will use a variety of methods such as tests, x-rays, and the like to determine what is wrong with your teeth before treatment.
What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a general dentist?
Although both pediatric dentists and general dentists can provide dental care to children, their difference lies in the amount of training that each is required to complete. Both pediatric and general dentists must obtain a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) after their undergraduate degree. A pediatric dentist has pursued a specialty certification in pediatric dentistry, which requires an additional two years of training during their residency.
What are some cosmetic procedures that dentists do?
These include teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, lumineers, and cosmetic bonding. If a brighter smile is what you’re looking for, ask your general dentist about a smile makeover.
What is a dental hygiene plan?
General dentists develop a customized dental hygiene plan that incorporates dental examination, teeth cleaning, possible tooth scaling, X-ray, and use of other diagnostic equipment to prevent uncover, or treat problems as early as possible.
What is AEGD postdoctoral?
The Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) Postdoctoral Program is a 12-month certificate program with an optional second year open to US/Canadian and foreign-trained dentists. This intensive clinical and academically rigorous full-time program is designed to prepare accepted applicants to deliver comprehensive patient-centric care for all patients, including those with complex and special needs. Residents can expect a collaborative and robust program with dedicated facilities led by world-class experts upholding the highest standards of teaching and learning in Prosthodontics, Periodontics, Endodontics, Oral Surgery, Implant Dentistry, and Pediatric Dentistry.
What is general dentistry?
In addition to general check-ups, general dentistry involves basic treatments that can be done at a regular dental office. Such procedures might include filling a tooth, performing a minor surgical procedure such as a tooth extraction, and cleaning and polishing teeth.
How does a dentist help patients?
A dentist will encourage patients to practice good dental care by brushing and flossing and getting regular cleanings as these good habits can help prevent cavities and other tooth and gum diseases. Within dentistry, there are specific specialties which require further training, creating expertise in a particular area.
How much does a dentist make?
The average salary for dentists in the United States is around $155,599 per year. Salaries typically start from $80,850 and go up to $299,460.
What is a pediatric dentist?
Paediatric Dentist. - specializes in treating children's teeth; may work with other specialists if specific areas (e.g. gum disease) are involved. Like most careers in the health industry, a dentist is required to be caring and compassionate as well as clever and competent.
What is a dentist's personality?
Dentists have distinct personalities. They tend to be investigative individuals, which means they’re intellectual, introspective, and inquisitive. They are curious, methodical, rational, analytical, and logical. Some of them are also realistic, meaning they’re independent, stable, persistent, genuine, practical, and thrifty.
What are some examples of specialties?
Examples of specialties include: Endodontics. - the area which specializes in the treatment of the internal tissues or "pulp" of the tooth which is mostly made up of nerves and blood vessels; an endodontist performs root canal treatments and other procedures and examinations involving the inner tooth. Orthodontics.
How can a dentist help prevent cavities?
A dentist will encourage patients to practice good dental care by brushing and flossing and getting regular cleanings as these good habits can help prevent cavities and other tooth and gum diseases.
What are the procedures that dentists do?
Here is a list of five procedures that general dentists have to perform all the time: 1. Fillings. Dental fillings are used to treat teeth that have cavities or decay. They can also be used to repair injured teeth that have fractures. When a patient complains of a toothache, the very first thing the dentist does is to check for cavities and cracks.
What happens during a general dentist visit?
The dentist and hygienist will exam you and identify emerging concerns and diagnose troubling conditions. There is also a time for cleaning the teeth and removing any plaque and tartar buildup. The dentist can also treat a variety of issues. These are not…
What is a toothache?
In general dentistry, toothaches are defined as any pain or ache in or around a tooth. While modern dentists have a thorough understanding of the causes and treatments for toothaches, people experiencing them may be frustrated by the discomfort.
What is braces used for?
Braces. Braces are used to position the teeth in a way that makes them aesthetically pleasing and easy to clean. They are also used to correct bad bites that can make it hard to eat or talk. Almost 80% of all braces worn today are used to align the teeth of people under the age of 18.
How long does it take for dental implants to be placed?
The placement of dental implants involves minor oral surgery to place the implant into the patient’s jawbone. Though the process takes a few months and several procedures to complete, the placement of dental implants gives the patient permanent artificial teeth.
How to remove a tooth that is above the gum?
If the problem tooth is above the gum, the dentist will remove it by loosening it from its bone socket and pulling it out. A tooth that is causing trouble under the gum is extracted with minor oral surgery.
How do crowns restore teeth?
Crowns restore teeth by covering them completely, which protects them from further infection or damage.
What is general dentistry?
General Dentists and Restorative Procedures. General dentists serve as your first line of defense against oral health problems. Although general dentists provide primarily preventative care and minor restorative therapy, they often are able to perform a wide array of dental procedures, including cosmetic treatments.
What is the purpose of a denture?
Dentures: Dentures are used to replace missing teeth or damaged teeth that cannot be otherwise repaired. General dentists, family dentists, prosthodontists, and cosmetic dentists may perform the procedure. However, availability of the latest material, technology and expertise varies among dentists.
Who is considered special treatment?
Special treatment considerations are made for infants, young children, adolescents, people with special needs and the elderly.
What is oral and maxillofacial surgery?
Oral and Maxillofacial Procedures: Oral and maxillofacial procedures range from the less invasive treatment of abnormalities of the mouth, jaw and face – including accompanying structures such as the teeth – to major oral surgeries.
What is a dental bridge?
Dental Bridges: Dental bridges replace missing teeth with artificial replacements (pontic). The pontic is held in place by composite materials that are anchored to surrounding teeth. General dentists, family dentists, prosthodontists and cosmetic dentists may perform bridge procedures. Availability of the latest materials, technology and expertise varies among dentists. (Read more about dental bridges)
What are dental crowns made of?
Dental crowns can be made of gold metals, silver metals, porcelain or a combination of porcelain and metal. Some dentists use CAD/CAM technology for the fabrication of dental crowns. In some cases, conservative dental veneers may replace the need for a dental crown. General dentists, family dentists, prosthodontists, ...
What is root canal therapy?
Root Canals: Root canal therapy removes infected pulp tissue within the root chamber of the tooth. The hollowed-out tooth is filled with an antibacterial filling, and the tooth is “capped” with a crown for protection. Endodontists specialize in performing root canal therapy, though general dentists also often perform the restorative procedure. (Read more about root canal therapy)
Why do dentists treat people?
Family dentists treat people during every stage of life. This is because people require different dental care throughout life, depending on their age. For example, oral care for a baby or child is different from that of an adult: Dental care for pregnant women and babies. Dental care for teens and young adults. Dental care for adults.
What percentage of dentists are general dentists?
Eighty percent of dental practitioners are general dentists. They are concerned with the overall health of teeth and oral hygiene. Instead of specializing in one specific area, general dentists offer:
What is pediatric dentistry?
Pediatric dentists treat infants and children through adolescence. They also treat young patients with physical or mental challenges. These dental practitioners provide both comprehensive dental treatments and preventive therapies (such as tooth sealants and fluoride treatment).
How many root canals do dentists do a week?
General dentists perform two root canals per week, while endodontists perform 25 per week (on average). 5. Orthodontics. Orthodontists specialize in malocclusion treatment, a condition where the teeth are not positioned correctly in the upper and lower jaws.
What is the name of the doctor who treats the pulp of a tooth?
4. Endodontists. Endodontists deal with the dental pulp and periradicular tissues, which are the blood vessels, tissues, and nerves surrounding a tooth’s root. They are highly trained in performing root canals and surgeries for dental pulp diseases.
What is the specialty of an oral surgeon?
Oral surgeons specialize in treating the esthetic and functional features of the oral and maxillofacial region . Oral surgeries are typically needed because of accidental injury, trauma, disease, deformities, periodontal issues, dental caries, or tooth loss. 4. Endodontists.
What is the role of a prosthodontist?
The primary role of a prosthodontist is to diagnose and restore missing or damaged oral tissues to proper function. They specialize in dental restorations, which restore missing teeth, decayed teeth, or damaged teeth. About 20 percent of a general dentist’s time is spent on prosthetic services. 3.
Qualifications of General Dentists
What Services Do General Dentists offer?
- Many general dentists use a combination of specialized care, including oral surgery, restorative services, and basic dental care treatments. Common general dentistry treatments include: 1. Dental exams and teeth cleanings 2. X-rays 3. Cavity fillings 4. Root canal treatment 5. Sleep apnea treatment 6. Gingivitis treatment 7. Temporomandibular joint...
Other Types of General Dentistry Services
- When visiting a general dentist, whether you are going in for a routine dental exam or a minor oral surgery, there are many options to choose from. Services offered by general dentists include restorative services, preventive treatments, oral surgery, and cosmetic dentistry: