Dentists, General
Dentists (general) examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums. They may treat diseases of nerve, pulp, and other dental tissues affecting oral hygiene and retention of teeth and may fit dental appliances or provide preventive care.
Dentists, also called dentist doctors or tooth doctors, are qualified individuals who meet with patients to diagnose and treat dental issues and help them develop better oral regimens.
Tooth doctors have to perform many responsibilities such as examining patients’ dental health, performing scheduled cleanings, writing prescriptions for antibiotics and other medications, advising patients regarding preventive dental care, formulating plans of treatment for patient’s teeth and mouth tissue, and performing oral surgeries and more.
To qualify as a practising dentist doctor, one needs to fulfil certain requirements such as having a doctoral degree in dental medicine, having a state license to practice dentistry, having strong computer skills and experience with healthcare databases and applications, complying with all laws regarding dental and health care, and continuing education courses for new procedures and standards.
Specialty dentistry specializes in dentistry other than general dentistry, and there are many types of dental specialties such as pedodontics, endodontists and orthodontists.
To succeed as a dental doctor or tooth doctor, aspirants must educate and explain to their patients the treatment, preventive care and technical information. In addition, they should be capable of understanding a patient’s needs to feel in control of their treatment. Therefore, a good dentist should practice honesty and compassion.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- Ph.D. Dentistry
- MDS Dental Surgery
- BDS Dental Surgery
Tasks
- Administer anesthetics to limit the amount of pain experienced by patients during procedures.
- Examine teeth, gums, and related tissues, using dental instruments, x-rays, or other diagnostic equipment, to evaluate dental health, diagnose diseases or abnormalities, and plan appropriate treatments.
- Formulate plan of treatment for patient's teeth and mouth tissue.
- Advise or instruct patients regarding preventive dental care, the causes and treatment of dental problems, or oral health care services.
- Design, make, or fit prosthodontic appliances, such as space maintainers, bridges, or dentures, or write fabrication instructions or prescriptions for denturists or dental technicians.
- Diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, or malformations of teeth, gums, or related oral structures and provide preventive or corrective services.
- Fill pulp chamber and canal with endodontic materials.
- Write prescriptions for antibiotics or other medications.
- Analyze or evaluate dental needs to determine changes or trends in patterns of dental disease.
- Treat exposure of pulp by pulp capping, removal of pulp from pulp chamber, or root canal, using dental instruments.
Progression Routes
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