Dentistry is a field of medicine that focuses on the health of the teeth, gums, and mouth. It is a profession that has been around for centuries, and it is one that has evolved over time to become more specialized and effective. Dentists are highly trained professionals who provide a variety of services to help maintain and improve oral health. From repairing broken teeth to straightening teeth, dentists can help people of all ages achieve optimal oral health.
Dentists can provide preventive care, diagnose and treat dental diseases, and even perform orthodontic procedures. The American Dental Association recommends that children visit the dentist no later than their first birthday to establish a “dental home”. This ongoing dental care will help children and adults maintain optimal oral health throughout their lives. Dentists can also provide guidance to children and parents, as well as educate them on proper oral hygiene.
Braces, once only for teenagers, can now help people of all ages correct tooth and jaw problems. Orthodontic procedures not only help improve appearance, but they can also improve chewing and proper digestion of food, in addition to some speech problems. The team approach to dentistry promotes continuity of care that is comprehensive, convenient, cost-effective and efficient. At the head of the team is the dentist, a doctor specializing in oral health who has obtained a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree or a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree.
Dentistry offers a unique combination of positive aspects that make it an attractive career path for many people. It provides an opportunity to positively transform a patient's life by restoring oral health, as well as eliminating pain and correcting dentofacial aesthetics often in a single visit. In addition, dentistry offers a faster route to health care and eliminates many of the commercial elements of dentistry. It also provides an opportunity for those who are part of an underrepresented minority group to contribute to a future in which all patients receive the same quality of care and understanding. Overall, dentists play an important role in helping us maintain our oral health.
They provide preventive care, diagnose and treat dental diseases, perform orthodontic procedures, and educate us on proper oral hygiene. Whether providing preventive care or eliminating pain, dentists can experience the satisfaction, privilege, and joy of positively transforming a patient's life by restoring oral health.