A dentist is a health care professional who treats your teeth. There are different types of dentists, including pediatric dentists, Orthodontists, and general dentists. Before you decide to choose a dentist, you should know what to expect from each of these types of doctors. You can also learn more about dental hygienists.
Dental hygienist
A dental hygienist is a licensed professional in the dental field. They are registered with a regulatory body and the dental association. They are responsible for keeping patients’ teeth and mouths healthy and clean. In addition, they are trained in preventing and treating dental problems. They also perform preventative care, including fluoride treatments.
Besides a high school education, students aspiring to become dental hygienists need two years of schooling and a clinical experience. Typically, a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene is required, as well as two years of prerequisite courses in chemistry, microbiology, and A&P. After completing all these courses, they must pass a national board exam. The Whites Dental Care test consists of 350 multiple-choice questions, which are broken down into two parts – discipline-based and case-based.
General dentist
General dentists are the primary care providers for people with a wide variety of dental problems. They receive extensive training and must pass rigorous examinations to become a qualified practitioner. They are typically required to complete four years of dental school and graduate with a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS).
General dentists are responsible for preventing gum and tooth diseases and providing oral hygiene advice. They may also recommend sealants and custom-made mouthguards to patients to protect their teeth.
Orthodontist
The Orthodontist dentist treats the teeth, jaws and face to improve alignment and overall health. These professionals are highly trained to detect and treat any problems with the jaws and teeth. They use digital imaging, x-rays and their knowledge of the mouth and face to customize a treatment plan for each individual patient.
While both dentists and orthodontists are trained to work with teeth, there are a few key differences between the two. First, dentists are trained to provide general dentistry, while orthodontists are trained to focus on the mouth. Secondly, an orthodontist will be familiar with the long-term effects of the treatment and will be able to advise you accordingly.
Pediatric dentist
A pediatric dentist focuses on the dental health of children. They deal with all types of pediatric dental issues. These conditions include tooth decay, gum disease, toothache, and dental infections. A pediatric dentist will take all the necessary steps to make your child as comfortable as possible. In the end, you will have a healthier and happier child.
A pediatric dentist also helps children develop good oral health habits. The most common oral health problem in children is cavities. Twenty percent of children aged five to 11 have cavities and these can lead to pain and infections. Filling cavities can prevent pain and restore the mouth’s normal function. Adults often find dental fillings unpleasant, but a pediatric dentist is trained to make fillings fun for children and adults alike.