Dentists are health care professionals who specialize in oral health and hygiene. Becoming a dentist requires an undergraduate bachelor’s degree followed by a dental school program which confers either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) title. Additional training may be obtained in subspecialties such as orthodontics, prosthodontics, endodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, pedodontic, pediatric dentist, dental public health, and oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS), pathology (OMFP), or radiology (OMFR).

Dentists are medically trained in diagnosing, preventing, and treating diseases that affect the teeth, gums, and oral cavity. Common conditions managed by dentists include tooth decay, cavities, tooth fractures, gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), tooth abscess, malocclusion (misaligned teeth), impacted teeth, fluorosis, oral and tooth trauma, temporomandibular joint disorders, and others. Common procedures include fillings, extractions, scaling and root planing, root canals, placement of crowns, implants, bridges, dentures, braces, and cosmetic procedures like tooth whitening. Dentists also screen for oral cancer and may perform biopsies or diagnostic tests for other chronic or infectious diseases.

You can also ask a dentist about an online advice about proper brushing and flossing techniques to help maintaining good oral health and prevent tooth decay and gum disease. General dentistry practitioners work closely together with dental hygienists (who perform cleanings) and dental technicians (who construct restorative dental appliances). Dentists may refer patients to other dental specialists (such as radiologists or surgeons) or doctors for further treatment and care.