Many Americans are able to maintain healthy smiles for their entire lives, but some do not understand the importance of attending regular dental exams and cleanings. Dentists play an important role in the oral health of patients young and old. Don’t just see a dentist when you have a toothache. Go to the dentist at least once a year so your teeth can be cleaned and checked for cavities and signs of disease. Your dentist is able to give you a clean bill of oral health or diagnose any asymptomatic issues you may not have been aware of.
A Collaboration of Roles
In most dental offices, you’ll find dental assistants, lab technicians, and dental hygienists working next to the head dentist. This collaboration ensures that the office functions efficiently and the patient gets dental care that is affordable and convenient.
What Does a Dentist Do?
Dentists are required to obtain a DMD or DDS degree before they are allowed to practice. Obtaining this degree gives them the education and training they need to do the following.
- Provide diagnoses of oral health issues
- Educate patients about how to maintain and improve their dental hygiene
- Create treatment plans for patients to maintain or improve their dental health
- Read tests and x-rays
- Oversee the administration of anesthesia
- Ensure that patients’ teeth and jaws are developing correctly
- Perform oral surgery
Teeth, Gums, and So Much More
Dentists are well-known for examining and treating the mouth and gums, but they are also trained to spot abnormalities in the face, tongue, jaws, neck, and head. Lumps, swelling, and ulcers can be signs of oral cancer, so the dentist will order the appropriate tests. They are able to identify signs of disease elsewhere in the body that presents in the mouth. If needed, they can refer patients to specialists to treat these issues.
Dental Education and Training
The path to becoming a dentist is rigorous. First, students must complete a Bachelor of Science to obtain a thorough understanding of biology, chemistry, anatomy, microbiology, and other subjects. Next, they must pass an entrance exam to begin dental school. Upon the completion of dental school, they must complete a residency, and many students choose to obtain certifications in a specific area of dentistry. Years of education and training enable students to achieve mastery in all areas needed to operate as a successful, effective dentist.
Why Dental Health is Important
Poor oral health is directly linked to other conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Damaged, diseased teeth and gums aren’t just a cosmetic issue. Oral health problems directly correlate to poor nutrition, decreased self-esteem, and trouble in social situations. A healthy set of teeth enables you to eat well, speak well, and feel confident while interacting with friends, romantic partners, and employers. Poor dental health is responsible for over 164 million lost hours of labor every year. Despite the proven links between dental health and all other aspects of a patient’s well-being, most states allocate less than two percent of their annual Medicaid budgets on dental care.
