Careers in Dentistry PDF

Careers in Dentistry Dentistry is the branch of medical science that deals with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the teeth, gums, jaws and other related structures of the mouth. The field of dentistry is constantly growing to meet the increasing demand for dental care and there are ma...

Careers in Dentistry Dentistry is the branch of medical science that deals with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the teeth, gums, jaws and other related structures of the mouth. The field of dentistry is constantly growing to meet the increasing demand for dental care and there are many opportunities in this field for dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and dental laboratory technicians. Dentists are healthcare professionals who provide preventive and restorative treatments for problems that affect the mouth and teeth. Dentists diagnose and treat problems with a patient’s teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth. They provide advice and instruction on taking care of teeth and gums and on diet choices that affect oral health. Dentists typically do the following:  Remove decay from teeth and fill cavities ▪ Repair cracked or fractured teeth and remove teeth ▪ Straighten teeth to correct bite ▪ Place sealants or whitening agents on teeth ▪ Give anesthetics to keep patients from feeling pain during procedures ▪ Write prescriptions for antibiotics or other medications ▪ Examine x-rays of teeth, gums, the jaw, and nearby areas for problems ▪ Make models and measurements for dental appliances, such as dentures, to fit patients ▪ Teach patients about diet, flossing, use of fluoride, and other aspects of dental care Most dentists are general practitioners and handle a variety of dental needs. Other dentists practice in one of nine specialty areas: Dental public health specialists promote good dental health and the prevention of dental diseases in specific communities. Endodontists, also called pulp specialists, perform root-canal therapy, by which they remove the nerves and blood supply from injured or infected teeth. Oral and maxillofacial radiologists diagnose diseases in the head and neck through the use of imaging technologies. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons operate on the mouth, jaws, teeth, gums, neck, and head, including procedures such as surgically repairing a cleft lip and palate or removing impacted teeth. Oral pathologists diagnose oral diseases, such as oral cancer or oral lesions. Orthodontists straighten teeth by applying pressure to the teeth with braces or other appliances. Pediatric dentists are specialists in the field of dentistry, which includes oral healthcare for children from infancy through the teenage years. In guiding children and teens through their dental growth and development, pediatric dentists often work closely with pediatricians, family physicians, and other dental specialists in providing comprehensive medical and dental care. Periodontists treat the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Answer the following questions: 1. What is Dentistry? 2. What dental specialties do you know? 3. What are dentist’s duties? 4. What are orthodontists primarily concerned with? 5. How may teeth irregularities be corrected? 6. What procedures do oral surgeons perform? 7. What kind of dentist is pediatric dentist? 8. What specialist deals with the prevention and treatment of gum diseases? 9. What do dental public health specialists promote? Match the following terms with their definitions: a) the specialist who is primarily concerned with the prevention and correction of 1. Oral surgeon irregularities of the teeth 2. Oral pathologist b) the specialist who is concerned with root canal work 3. Periodontist c) the specialist who deals with the prevention and treatment of gum diseases 4. Orthodontist d) the person who prepares patients for treatment, hand instruments and material e) the specialist who is concerned with the diagnosis, study and treatment of mouth 5. Endodontist infections 6. Dental assistant f) the specialist who performs extractions, remove cysts, correct palates