As the saying goes “Health is wealth” and oral health is no different for happy and healthy life. A general dentist is the primary dental health care provider at a dental clinic that offers dental services. Dentists diagnose, treat, and prevent dental problems. From routine cleanings to complex procedures, a general dentist is your go-to dental health care provider.
What Does a General Dentist Do?
Dentist treats and provides a variety of dental services to patients of all ages. They are trained to perform both restorative and preventive care procedures.
Name of few of the services given at dental office
- Preventive Care: Dentist provides preventive care procedures such as regular dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental exams. These procedures help to prevent the development of dental problems like gum disease and cavities
- Restorative Care: Provides restorative care procedures such as fillings, crowns, bridges, and root canal therapy. These procedures are used to restore damaged or missing teeth.
- Cosmetic Dentistry: Dentists also offer cosmetic dentistry procedures such as teeth whitening, veneers, and dental implants. These procedures are used to improve the appearance of a patient’s smile.
- Emergency Care: Emergency dental care treatment for patients who urgently needs a treatment such as a broken tooth or severe toothache.
What to Expect During a Dental Visit ?
When you visit a general dentist, you can expect a comprehensive dental exam. Doctor will check for any cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer. They will also clean your teeth and provide advice on how to maintain excellent oral health. If your dentist discovers any dental problems, they will develop and discuss treatment plan as per your specific needs. They will discuss the treatment options with you and help you make an informed decision about your dental care.
How to find right Dentist for you ?
Finding the right general dentist is essential for maintaining good oral health. Try this tool to find if its right one for you
- Check online reviews from previous patients
- Ask your friends & family or a co-worker
- Look for a dentist who is conveniently located
- Schedule a consultation to meet the dentist in person
- Make sure the dentist accepts your insurance
Challenges and Rewards for General Dentists
While being a general dentist can be rewarding, it also comes with its own set of challenges. Here are some of the challenges that dental doctors face:
Dealing with difficult patients: Have to deal with patients who may have dental anxiety or fear of dental procedures. They need to be patient and provide reassurance to help patients feel more comfortable during dental procedures.
Keeping up with the latest advancements in dental care: They have keep themselves in sync with latest developments in the industry.
Managing a busy schedule: Have to manage a busy schedule with a variety of patients and procedures. They need to balance their time effectively to provide quality care to all their patients.
Daily Rewards: Dentists also experience daily rewards such as helping patients improve their oral health, restoring damaged teeth, and improving patients’ smiles.
Requirements to Become a Dentist in the USA, Canada, and Other CODA Accredited Countries
To become a general dentist in the USA, Canada, and other CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation) accredited countries, you need to meet certain educational and licensing requirements.
Here are the requirements to become a dentist in the USA/Canada or any CODA accredited nations:
- Education: Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from a CODA-accredited dental school.
- Licensure: After DMD/DDS degree, appear and pass the National Board Dental Examinations(INBDE) and a clinical licensure exam in the state where you want to practice. Know more about licensing exam in your state
- Continuing Education: Dentists are required to complete continuing education courses every year to maintain their license in good standing.
- For International dentist, dental degrees such as BDS (Bachelors of Dental Surgery)from certain countries may not be directly accepted in the USA. Countries such as India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh require additional training and education to practice as a dentist in the USA.
Conclusion
Next time if someone says I visited my dentist by default its “General Dentist” very likely.
A dentist is your go-to dental health care provider who can help you maintain excellent oral health. From routine cleanings to complex procedures, a dentist offers a wide range of dental services to meet your specific needs. Share your experience and thoughts about your dentist
