Dental health is an essential part of a person’s overall wellness. It impacts the way that a person feels, looks and functions. The best dentists are able to provide comprehensive, personalized and preventive dental care.
They also educate their patients about the benefits of good oral hygiene and help them avoid serious dental problems down the road. They also perform routine examinations and clean teeth, apply sealants to improve the strength of the tooth surface and offer other treatments to maintain a healthy smile.
The career path of a dentist is similar to that of a medical doctor, with undergraduate study followed by a four-year professional degree. Most dentists earn a DMD or DDS, but some hold a master’s in dentistry.
A bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, physics or another related field is usually required for admission to dental school. It is helpful to work with a health professions advisor while in college to develop a well-rounded course of study that will prepare you for your future as a dental professional.
Once admitted to dental school, you need to pass a series of tests and exams in order to receive your degree. These tests include the Dental Admission Test and the National Board Dental Exam.
After earning your undergraduate and dental degrees, many dentists continue to educate themselves and complete additional training and specialization in their chosen specialty. Some pursue a graduate degree in oral and maxillofacial surgery, or go on to earn a medical (M.D.) degree.
Dentists spend the majority of their time in the office, and are responsible for treating patients. They may also spend one to two hours each day preparing and filing paperwork, working with insurance companies and coordinating appointments.
Before you get into a dentist’s office, you need to make sure that they are licensed and in good standing with the state dental board. This is a crucial step to ensure that you are receiving quality care from someone you can trust and who will be accountable for your treatment. If you are looking for a skilled Sarasota dentist, you may visit https://www.thesarasotadentist.net/.
During your first visit to the dentist, you’ll likely need an exam to see if you have any cavities and to check on the growth of your teeth and jawbones. This will involve a thorough review of your medical history and X-rays of your mouth.
The X-rays are important because they allow your dentist to find cavities that aren’t visible with regular exams. They also can help your dentist diagnose gum disease and other problems that might otherwise be overlooked.
Once you’ve gotten to the office, you’ll sit down in a large chair that looks like a recliner and be asked to relax. Next to the chair, you’ll probably have a sink and a cup that you can use to rinse your mouth out while the dental hygienist performs an oral examination.
You’ll then be asked to close your mouth and stay still while the hygienist gently cleans your teeth, removes plaque from them, and checks for any cavities or other issues. At the end of your appointment, you’ll be given a prescription for any medications that your dentist needs to treat you.