A dentist is a healthcare professional who diagnoses and treats oral health issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, and oral infections. They also perform routine dental cleanings and help patients develop good oral hygiene habits. Dentists are highly trained medical professionals who must complete a rigorous undergraduate education, followed by four years of training at an accredited dental school. During this time, they study anatomy, chemistry, biology, and physics to prepare for their future careers as doctors of dentistry.
Diagnosing Oral Health Conditions
Dentists use a variety of diagnostic tools, including X-rays and visual inspections, to identify potential problems in their patients’ teeth, gums, and jaws. They then develop treatment plans to address these issues and inform their patients of the different options available.
Some dentists specialize in particular procedures, including endodontics (root canal therapy), periodontics (gum surgery), and prosthodontics (dentures and crowns). Other dentists focus on prevention and education, helping patients maintain a healthy mouth by advising them on proper brushing and flossing techniques and offering regular dental exams to spot any signs of infection or tooth decay early on. Other dentists choose to work in public health, developing new oral health policies and providing dental care to underserved communities. These dentists often receive high salaries and have a lot of job satisfaction.