A dentist is a doctor who practices dental care. Various dental practitioners include dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants. Moreover, there are multiple specialisations, such as orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial pathology, and public health dentistry.
Dental assistants
The dentist’s assistant is a crucial member of the dental team. These people support the dentist’s office with administrative and technical duties.
Some of the most basic tasks these individuals perform include scheduling appointments, cleaning equipment, preparing treatment rooms, ordering supplies, and updating patient medical records. However, it’s also essential that these assistants have a keen eye for detail.
They may have some specialised skills. For example, some of them specialise in pediatric dentistry. As such, they will spend most of their time working with young patients. However, they will also work with adult and elderly patients who require simple checkups.
Dental assistants must be meticulous and able to manage their time well. They must follow the dental practitioner’s orders and instructions and listen to the patient’s concerns. In addition, they must be able to carry their weight.
While some assistants may work odd hours, most will enjoy a typical 40-hour workweek. Most of them will also work weekends. Depending on their qualifications and employer, some will even work nights.
If you’re interested in a career as a dental assistant, consider getting a degree. It will put you in a better position to land an interview. However, even if you don’t pursue a degree, you can get hired as an assistant if you demonstrate nifty dental skills.
The dentist’s assistant is a rewarding profession. They provide a vital service to the doctor and the patient and help the dentist North Shore achieve optimal results.
Dental hygienists
Dental hygienists are licensed professionals working with dentists to ensure patients’ oral health. They perform oral exams, x-rays, cleanings, and other procedures that prevent and treat diseases. These professionals also educate patients about good oral hygiene.
Before they can practice dentistry, hygienists typically complete an associate degree program. They must also obtain a state license and pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination. During their training, they will learn about dental x-rays, pain management, infection control, and other aspects of oral health.
Dental hygienists are in high demand, with a 19 per cent job growth projected from 2014 to 2024. They have higher salaries than most professions, earning $78,828 per year on average.
Dental hygienists work with dentist North Shore to prevent and treat gum diseases, tooth decay, and other oral health conditions. These professionals use various tools, such as fluoride, dental sealants, and temporary fillings. They may also work as researchers or educators.
In addition to treating patients, dental hygienists often help with office management. They streamline appointments and make the dental experience easy for patients. In addition, a hygienist’s job can include performing diagnostic tests and recording treatment records.
Upon completing a bachelor’s degree, hygienists can advance to a master’s program, often required for advanced clinical or administrative positions. The program is typically one to two years long and requires a capstone project.
Orthodontists
Dentists are a vital part of keeping your teeth and gums healthy. These professionals offer various services, from basic cleanings and cosmetic procedures to diagnosing and treating several oral health conditions.
Unlike many doctors, dental practitioners do not need to live in a particular area to provide care. Some states even allow dentists to perform specialty care without a residency. However, a dental specialty degree is required, which will usually take about three years.
Orthodontists focus on the alignment of the teeth. However, they are also able to correct several other issues. For example, they can perform extractions and correct a cleft lip. Their expertise will also make your smile more beautiful.
Dental specialists also perform a wide variety of other routine dental procedures. For example, they can clean your teeth, apply fillings, repair a broken tooth, or place a bridge. They may also prescribe pain medication for any dental procedures.
Periodontists
Periodontists have extensive training in the dental field and are often considered experts in cosmetic and reconstructive dental surgery. They can also advise patients on how to maintain their gums and teeth.
Depending on the extent of the issue, the periodontist may prescribe various treatments. These include dental implants, soft tissue grafts, and even bone grafting.
Gum recession is a common dental issue. It occurs when the gums are too small to cover the tooth. It can result in a loss of bone support and tooth sensitivity. In addition, receding gums can be a sign of an underlying disease like gum disease. If left untreated, gum recession can progress to more serious periodontal disease.
One of the best ways to detect the onset of periodontal disease is by keeping up with your oral hygiene routine. Brushing your teeth regularly and getting regular checkups will keep your gums healthy. Plaque is a common culprit of poor oral health.
Periodontists are also trained to perform surgical procedures such as gum grafts and dental implant placement. For example, a gum graft can provide more natural-looking teeth with less sensitivity.
A visit to a periodontist is more similar to a regular dentist’s appointment than you might think. The periodontist will ask about your oral health, medical history, and other pertinent information. In addition, your periodontist will likely take x-rays of your mouth to see if there are any other areas of concern. They may also test your gums for cancerous cells.
Oral and maxillofacial pathology
Oral and maxillofacial pathology at the dentist is a specialty within dentistry. It involves studying diseases that affect the mouth, face, and jawbone. Therefore, the profession requires significant training and scholarly activity.
This branch of dentistry often plays a vital role in diagnosis. Oral and maxillofacial pathologists perform various diagnostic procedures, including biopsies, clinical examinations, and lab testing, and they also work closely with other healthcare specialists, such as surgeons and physicians.
During the oral and maxillofacial pathology education, the student receives extensive training in diagnostic histopathology. The subjects covered include Crohn’s, endocrine and thyroid diseases, cancers, and other conditions. Also, the student must know the various prescription drug reactions in the mouth.