Chapter 12: Dentistry

Cards (62)

  • Orthodontists straighten teeth by applying pressure to the teeth with braces or other appliances
  • Oral and maxillofacial surgeons operate on the mouth, jaws, teeth, gums, neck, and head.
  • Pediatric dentists focus on dentistry for children and special needs patients
  • Periodontists treat gums and bones supporting the teeth
  • Prosthodontists replace missing teeth with permanent fixtures such as crowns and bridges, or with removable fixtures such and dentures.
  • Endodontists perform root canal therapy
  • Oral and maxillofacial radiologists diagnose diseases in the head and neck through the use of imaging technologies
  • Oral pathologists diagnose oral diseases
  • Dental public health specialists promote good dental health and prevent dental diseases within the community
  • In 2021, there were 67 dental schools in the US
  • All dental schools require applicants to take the DAT (Dental Admissions Test)
  • To become licensed, candidates must graduate from an accredited dental school and pass written and practical exams
  • Dental schools require at least 2 years of college-level, pre-dental education prior to admittance
  • Dental school usually lasts 4 years
  • Most dental schools award the DDS or an equivalent degree, DMD
  • What does DDS stand for?
    Doctor of Dental Surgery
  • What does DMD stand for?
    Doctor of Dental Medicine
  • Licensure is required to practice as a dentist
  • Most dentists work four to five days a week
  • Dentists diagnose and treat problems with teeth and tissues in the mouth
  • Dentists give advice and administer care to help prevent future problems
  • Dentists provide instruction on diet, brushing, flossing, fluorides, and other aspects of dental care
  • Dentists remove tooth decay, fill cavities, examine X-rays, place protective plastic sealants on children's teeth, straighten teeth, and repair fractured teeth
  • Dentists use X-ray machines, drills, mouth mirrors, probes, forceps, brushes, and scalpels
  • Dentists may use lasers, digital scanners, and other computer technologies
  • Most full time dentists work 35 to 40 hours a week
  • Approx. 7,200 orthodontists in 2020
  • Approx. 132,100 general dentists
  • Approx. 5,600 oral and maxillofacial surgeons
  • Approx. 600 prosthodontists
  • Approx. 6,200 other dentist specialties
  • Most dentists are general practitioners
  • Dentists perform corrective surgery on gums and supporting bones to treat gum diseases
  • Dentists extract teeth and make models and measurements for dentures to replace missing teeth
  • Dentists administer anesthetics and write prescriptions for antibiotics and other medications
  • The employment of dentists is projected to grow by 3 percent through 2029
  • Dental hygienists clean teeth and provide other preventive dental care
  • Dental hygienists teach patients how to practice good oral hygiene
  • Dental hygienists examine patients' teeth gums, recording the presence of diseases or abnormalities
  • Hygienists remove tartar, stains, and plaque from teeth. They also take and develop x-rays