Patients – How to do you find the right Dentist?
By: Bennett Napier, CAE
In most of our lifetimes, we will all need the services of a dentist. This blog is intended to help you determine the right dentist for your needs.
First, a basic overview on dental degrees.
The DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) are both dental degrees. They are awarded upon graduation from a dental school to become a General Dentist. The majority of dental schools award the DDS degree; however, some award a DMD degree. The education and degrees are by and large, the same.
After graduation, dentists have to become licensed in the state(s) they wish to practice in. Each state has different requirements for licensure and continuing education.
See each state’s requirements at:
https://www.ada.org/en/education-careers/licensure/licensure-dental-students/state-dental-boards
Dentists work with a team of people such as, dental assistants, dental hygienists and administrative staff to help deliver oral health care. These allied professionals generally work alongside the dentist within the dental practice setting and are in direct contact with the patient (under the supervision of the dentist).
Dentists utilize the professional skills and knowledge of dental laboratories that employ dental laboratory technicians for restorative, orthodontic and cosmetic dental work. Oftentimes, dental laboratory technicians are working behind the scenes as part of the oral health care team to provide patients with dental restorations, such as crowns, bridges, veneers, dentures, and orthodontic appliances. To gain a better understanding of the role of dental laboratory technicians visit www.nbccert.org and https://nadl.org/certification/dental-lab-career.cfm. For more information on questions to ask your dentist regarding the dental laboratory and dental technician they work with, visit https://dentallabs.org/who-makes-your-crown/.
In dentistry, there are nine specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. In this blog, we will cover just a few of the different areas of discipline.
General Dentist
A General Dentist is in effect a family dentist and provides patient’s oral health care on a regular basis. This is the most common type of dentist and the majority of their work revolves around important preventative oral care. This includes regular dental cleanings, dental X-rays, and educating patients about proper at-home oral care. General Dentists are also responsible for restorative oral care. They are also monitoring the health of your mouth, neck, and head so ensure there are no issues.
Here are three good resources to find a General Dentist:
https://findadentist.ada.org/ American Dental Association
https://www.agd.org/ Academy of General Dentistry
https://www.aacd.com/profiles American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
Orthodontist
You may know Orthodontists as the ones who install braces, but their care extends much farther beyond that. Orthodontists focus on righting misaligned teeth, jaw bones, and other supporting facial structures for both cosmetic and functional reasons.
To find an Orthodontist visit:
https://www.aaoinfo.org/ American Academy of Orthodontists
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons focus on the hard and soft tissues found in and around the mouth. These tissues include the gums, cheeks, lips, hard palate, soft palate, tongue, and facial tissues. Surgeons receive additional training after dental school and thus perform more complex surgeries than other dental professionals.
To find an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon visit: https://www.aaoms.org/
Prosthodontist
Prosthodontists are responsible for providing oral prostheses that replace damaged, decayed, or missing teeth. Restorations can include crowns, bridges, dentures, dental implants, and veneers.
To find a Prosthodontist visit:
http://www.prostho.org/ American Prosthodontic Society
https://www.prosthodontics.org/ American College of Prosthodontists
It is important that the patient take an active role in their oral health care to ensure the best possible outcomes. For a better understanding of the role of dentists and questions to ask a good resource is:
https://dentallabs.org/dentistry-an-integral-part-of-the-health-care-system/
Bennett Napier, MS, CAE, is a Certified Association Executive and serves as Executive Director of the NADL, NBC, and FDLT. Napier has been involved in the dental industry since 1994 having served as a Chief Staff Executive for state and national organizations in both dental hygiene and the dental laboratory industry. Prior to his career in association management, he worked in Washington DC, as a congressional assistant and policy analyst.
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My aunt recently moved to a new area, so she’s been looking for a dentist to help her and her family. It was helpful when you mentioned that a good dentist will educate their patients. Another great tip I’ve heard is to make sure that the dentist is properly licensed and insured, as that will further protect you. Thank you so much for all the tips on how to choose a general dentist.
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It’s nice that a general dentist can help help monitor and restore the health of one’s mouth. My upper gums have been bleeding whenever I brush or floss my teeth, so I’ve been looking for a great dentist to help me, as it isn’t fun to have oral pain every night. Thanks for sharing about what different dentists do and how to find them in my area!
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My mouth has been hurting when I eat, so I’m worried that I have a cavity. I love how you pointed out to make sure the dentist I visit is licensed and properly educated, as they will be able to do a better job. Thanks for all the great tips on choosing a dentist!
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Thanks for also talking about the different dental degrees that a dentist could have. I want to look for dental services soon because I’m planning to get one of my teeth extracted. I want to make sure that the one who will do it is someone that I could truly trust.
Finding the right dentist is crucial for your long-term oral health. Whether you’re seeking a DDS or DMD, the key is to ensure they are licensed in your state and meet your specific needs. Look for dentists who prioritize patient comfort, have good reviews, and offer the services you require. Building a relationship with a trusted dentist can make all the difference in maintaining a healthy, confident smile.