What Does a Dentist Do?

July 28, 2024

Dentists specialize in diagnosing, preventing and treating diseases and conditions affecting the teeth, gums and mouth. They focus on preventive care, educating patients on proper oral hygiene and dietary habits to maintain a healthy smile. They also perform clinical procedures such as tooth extractions, fillings, root canal therapy, and installing dental implants and dentures.

A good dentist is very detail-oriented and pays close attention to their work. They have a strong sense of compassion and understanding when it comes to their patients, especially those who are anxious about any dental procedure. A good dentist will always put their patient’s best interest first, and will not suggest unnecessary dental treatments for monetary gain. They will also be honest with their patients and explain both the positives and negatives of each option.

What to Expect from a Routine Visit to the Dentist

They are natural leaders and enjoy being a part of a team. Dentists often supervise their team of hygienists, technicians, and assistants while making high-level decisions for the practice. They have a great deal of pride in their profession and are very fascinated with the human mouth and its connection to the rest of the body. Dentists are also very passionate about providing benevolent dentistry to underprivileged communities and populations that do not have access to quality oral health care.