What is dentistry?
Dentistry is the branch of medicine that focuses on the health of the teeth and mouth. Dentists are doctors who are trained to diagnose, prevent, and treat conditions and diseases of the teeth and mouth. Some examples of common procedures performed by dentists include cleaning teeth, filling cavities, and extracting teeth. Dentists may also provide advice on proper oral hygiene and help patients to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
What are the types of professionals/specialities within dentistry?
There are several different types of professionals and specialties within dentistry. Some common ones include:
General dentists
These are the most common type of dentist. They provide a wide range of services, including cleaning teeth, filling cavities, and extracting teeth. They may also provide advice on proper oral hygiene and help patients to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Orthodontists
These dentists specialise in straightening teeth and correcting bite problems. They use braces and other appliances to align the teeth and jaw
Paediatric dentists
These dentists specialise in providing dental care for children, including infants and teenagers. They are trained to deal with the unique dental needs of children and to make them feel comfortable during dental procedures.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons
These dentists specialise in surgeries of the mouth and face. They may perform procedures such as removing wisdom teeth, correcting jaw abnormalities, and repairing injuries to the mouth and face.
Periodontists
These dentists specialise in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the gums and other supporting structures of the teeth. They may also perform procedures such as scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth.
Endodontists
These dentists specialise in treating the inside of the tooth, including the root canal. They may perform procedures such as root canals to remove infected or damaged tissue from inside the tooth.
Prosthodontists
These dentists specialise in the replacement of missing teeth. They may create and place dental implants, dentures, and other artificial teeth.
Dental hygienists
These professionals work under the supervision of a dentist to clean teeth and provide other preventive dental care. They may also educate patients on proper oral hygiene and help to develop treatment plans.
Are dentists doctors?
Yes, dentists are doctors. Dentists are medical professionals who are trained to diagnose, prevent, and treat diseases and conditions of the mouth, teeth, and gums. In order to become a dentist, a person must complete a four-year undergraduate degree program followed by four years of dental school. After completing dental school, a dentist must pass a national board exam in order to become licensed to practice. Like other doctors, dentists are required to complete continuing education courses on a regular basis in order to stay up-to-date with the latest advances in dental care
What does an orthodontist do?
An orthodontist is a type of dentist who specialises in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. This can include problems with the alignment of the teeth and jaws, as well as issues with the bite. Orthodontists use a variety of techniques, such as braces and retainers, to help straighten teeth and correct bite problems. They may also provide treatments to help improve the appearance of the teeth and face. Orthodontists typically complete additional training and education after dental school, and are licensed to practice orthodontics by the dental board in their state.
Is an orthodontist different to a dentist?
In the UK, an orthodontist is a type of dentist who has completed additional training and education in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. This includes problems with the alignment of the teeth and jaws, as well as issues with the bite. Orthodontists are licensed to practice orthodontics by the dental board in their state, and they typically work in a specialised orthodontic practice or in a dental clinic that offers orthodontic services. Dentists, on the other hand, are trained to provide a wide range of dental care services, including preventive care, fillings, and extractions, as well as diagnosing and treating more complex dental problems. In the UK, both orthodontists and dentists are regulated by the General Dental Council.
Do orthodontists clean teeth?
Orthodontists are not typically responsible for cleaning teeth, as this is generally considered to be the role of a dentist or dental hygienist. Orthodontists are trained to diagnose, prevent, and treat dental and facial irregularities, such as problems with the alignment of the teeth and jaws, and they use a variety of techniques, such as braces and retainers, to help straighten teeth and correct bite problems. While they may provide some basic oral hygiene instructions to their patients, the cleaning of teeth is generally not within the scope of their practice. It’s important for patients to continue to visit a dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings, even if they are undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Do orthodontists just do braces?
Orthodontists are trained to diagnose, prevent, and treat dental and facial irregularities, such as problems with the alignment of the teeth and jaws, and they use a variety of techniques to help straighten teeth and correct bite problems. While braces are a common treatment option used by orthodontists, they are not the only treatment available. Orthodontists may also use other types of appliances, such as retainers or aligners, to help straighten teeth and correct bite problems. In addition, orthodontists may provide other treatments, such as jaw surgery, to help correct more complex dental and facial irregularities. The specific treatment plan recommended by an orthodontist will depend on the individual needs of the patient.