A dentist is a healthcare professional that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of oral diseases and conditions. Dentists are credentialed with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. They practice in one of nine specialty areas of dentistry or are general practitioners that treat all types of oral health problems.
The field of dentistry is based on the principles of maintaining optimal oral health, diagnosing and treating oral diseases and conditions as well as restoring damaged teeth and preventing future tooth loss. During their workday, dentists perform many procedures, including cleaning and examination of the mouth and gums; dental surgeries such as fillings, crowns and extractions; replacing missing teeth; and teaching patients about oral health. In addition, dentists collaborate with other health care professionals to identify systemic health issues that may manifest in the mouth and advise patients about medical procedures and therapies that can be performed outside of the office to treat these conditions.
Because the mouth is such a small area to work in, dentists must be extremely detail oriented. Even the slightest misalignment of a tooth can have a major impact on the patient’s oral health and overall health. Therefore, the most successful dentists are very focused on getting it right the first time. They take great pride in their work, use eye magnifiers to help them see the smallest details and always allot enough time to complete each procedure well.
A successful dentist will take the time to learn about their patients on a personal level, which helps them understand their concerns and anxieties. This can help them make their patients feel more comfortable during treatments. It is important for dentists to build a trusting relationship with their patients because they are working with sharp objects in the mouth, which is a sensitive part of the body.
Dentists must be able to explain complex oral health topics in ways that are accessible and understandable for patients of all backgrounds and education levels. They must be able to provide advice on proper oral hygiene, nutrition and diet as well as how these topics relate to other aspects of their patients’ lives such as their employment, relationships and socialization. They must also be able to identify and discuss the risks associated with poor dental health practices.
A good dentist will also seek to establish long-term relationships with their patients, which can increase the likelihood of receiving regular dental services and ensure that health insurance claims are processed correctly. In addition, they will make sure to follow up with patients after each appointment and offer appointments at times that are convenient for the patient. They will also be willing to address any concerns or questions the patient may have and never speak in condescending tones during interactions. When selecting a dentist, it is important to consider online reviews in addition to recommendations from friends and family members. This will allow you to choose a dental practitioner who is truly the best fit for you and your family’s needs.