When it comes to general dentists, most of us rarely give the job much thought. Sure, we know dentists clean teeth and go to school, but beyond that most of us do not have a clue. Here are a few interesting facts that will help you better understand and be more appreciative of all the things our dentists do for us.
The following are four interesting facts to know about general dentists.
While you hopefully have had no trouble in finding the right dentist for you, the current demand for dentists is high. With fewer people attending dental school and more environmental factors affecting our teeth than ever before, the need for dental professionals will only continue to increase. Chlorine in pools and drinking water, the increased frequency of antibiotic use and the consumption of sugary and acidic drinks are all contributors to this rise in dentistry demand.
Beyond the routine cleaning and maintenance of patient oral health, dentists have many responsibilities. Your general dentist handles the diagnosis of dental and gum diseases, cosmetic procedures, teeth whitening, patient education, surgery and implants, extractions and so much more. The variety of work done by general dentists goes beyond what most professions require, making dentistry a very interesting and challenging industry.
While it may seem like every dental professional would be clamoring for specialized spots, the majority of dentists prefer general dentistry. With only 20% of dental students choosing to specialize according to the American Dental Association, the other 80% are general dental practitioners. Those that do specialize can choose from one of the 10 recognized areas of dentistry: Dental Anesthesiology, Dental Public Health, Endodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics and Prosthodontics.
For many dental professionals, the pull of dentistry, as opposed to other medical fields, has to do with the change for artistic expression. Dentists must combine their medical knowledge, practical skill and understanding of aesthetics on a daily basis. To create the most beautiful smiles, dentists must be able to apply a creative and artistic eye to the teeth of their patients. By combining an understanding of balance, symmetry, and aesthetic beauty with education and medical training, dentistry is the perfect career for anyone who loves art and science.
The bottom line
General dentists can have extremely varied and challenging careers. Oral health is interconnected with overall health, so finding a trusted general dentist is important.
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