In this article, we will discuss about Dentist Description, Definition, Types of specialization, Skills, Roles and Responsibilities
Definition and Summary
The dentist is a health practitioner specializing in diagnosing while providing treatment of problems related to the teeth, gums, and structures around the face and jaw.
The dentist is also responsible for providing services that are maintenance, prevention, and cleaning, following instructions on proper maintenance of the teeth and gums.
To achieve these objectives, dentists routinely conduct examinations, take X-rays, diagnose diseases, and determine appropriate treatments. Dentists also carry out oral surgical actions and prescribe prescriptions regarding treatment for dental problems, relieve symptoms, and prevent infection.
Given some actions in the field of dentistry requiring anesthesia, dentists also acquire training in the field of general anesthesia.
Dentist description
Dentists have the duty to diagnose and treat dental, oral, jaw diseases through the modern application of dental treatment principles and procedures. A dentist usually specializes in orthodontics, Periodontics, Prostodontics, and Endodontics.
Dentist types of specialization
Some of the dental specialties include:
Endodontist or dental conservation Specialist
Endodontist is a specialist dentist who has special competence and expertise in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the affected pulp and tooth roots. The Pulp is a layer of inner tooth that is rich in blood vessels and nerves.
A general dentist will refer you to Endodontis if you have problems with the pulp and tooth roots, such as the pulp polyp, tooth root tract infection, or pulpitis, which is a bacterial infection of the pulp that is painful and it can occur in more than one tooth.
Oral disease Specialists
The dentist who specializes in the specific cases of dental and oral diseases. Some of the illnesses that need to be addressed by the dentist who specializes in oral diseases include:
- Cancer of the mouth and tongue, e.g. Kaposi sarcoma.
- Infection of bacteria, fungi, or viruses in the mouth.
- Autoimmune diseases that attack the gums and mouth, such as oral lichen planus and Pemphigus vulgaris.
- Severe and repetitive canker sores.
Oral disease specialists will generally treat the disease in the mouth by providing medication. However, in certain cases, the doctor may refer the patient to the oral surgeon.
Oral surgeon
To get the title of dentist specializing in oral surgery, a dentist needs to complete oral surgical specialization education for approximately 6 years. You will be referred to an oral surgeon if your tooth, gum, tongue or mouth problem requires surgical action.
Health problems or medical actions requiring the treatment of oral surgeons include:
- Teeth, gums, and tongue tumor.
- Oral biopsy.
- Reconstructive surgery to handle jaw and tooth fractures.
- Cleft lip.
- Abscesses on the teeth and mouth.
- Oral infections.
Orthodontist
Orthodontist refers to dentists who specialize in diagnosing and correcting the shape of teeth that are less neat or parallel, such as congenital and malocclusion disorders.
An orthodontist specialist has the skill in the field of mounting and treatment of braces gradually to make the teeth in the right positions and look neater.
Periodontist
A periodontist is a doctor who specifically handles gum disease and dental bones. Some conditions that may make you referred to a periodontist are gingivitis and periodontitis.
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Pedodontist or the specialist in pediatric dentistry.
Pedodontist is a specialist dentist that specifically handles a wide variety of dental and oral problems in children, infants, and adolescents.
If your child has a messy tooth shape, loose teeth, crooked teeth, cavities, tooth infection or rotten teeth, then it is advisable to treat it to a pediatric dentist.
Prosthodontist specialist
A general dentist will refer you to a Prosthodontist specialist if you need to install dentures. In addition, Prosthodontist specialist can also carry out the installation actions of dental crowns, veneer teeth, and denture implants.
You may need to be able to install the dentures if your teeth are broken, dislodged, or severely injured, so they may not function properly.
Various related professions
- Dentist
- Oral surgeons
- Orthodontist.
Skills needed
A dentist must master a variety of knowledge and expertise. The basic knowledge that a dentist must have is knowledge in the field of medical science. This knowledge has to be mastered so that it can diagnose and treat wounds, illnesses, and human tooth abnormalities. Knowledge of biological sciences is also a must-have because it has to understand the anatomy of a living creature, especially human teeth and mouths.
Psychological knowledge is also necessary to have to know the nature and behavior of human beings that can affect their health.
In addition, a dentist is also required to be able and courageous in making decisions because he has to react quickly in dealing with his patients. Therefore, it must be critical and have good analytical skills in order to diagnose the patient’s disease rapidly and provide appropriate therapy for the patient’s health.
It should also have a problem sensitivity so that it can prevent and anticipate the health problems of a patient that could arise. This of course must be based on the analysis that it has done.
Another thing that a dentist must have is orientation serving. A dentist should also prioritize the health and safety of the person he is handling above his or her personal interests. In addition, this profession must also have good communication skills so that he can explain the condition of one’s health and the actions he will do in a simple and easy to understand.
Read also:
How To Choose Best Dentist To Maintain Good Oral Health
Roles and Responsibilities
- Providing services in accordance with the profession and standards of operational procedures and patient’s medical needs.
- Diagnose and treat patient’s wound, disease, and dental disorders.
- Give the impression and convey the description or opinion to the patient who can be accountable.
- Prevent cross infections that endanger patients, medical personnel, and society.
- Referring patients to specialist dentists, if unable to perform a treatment or examination with a special case.
- Storing, safeguarding and preserving the patient’s medical record data.
- Protects the patient from harm.
- Prioritizes patient’s interests and treats patients fairly.
- Establishing good cooperation with other health workers.
- Improving the degree of public health by becoming a motivator, educator, and health care provider (promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative).
- Responsible for recording and reporting on dental hygiene services.
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