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When we think of professional oral care, the first word that most likely comes to mind is ‘dentist’. We start going to see the dentist at a young age, and some of us have been going to the same dental office our whole lives! Dentists are who we call if we have a toothache, a cavity, or if we just need a general check-up. But what about the other professionals in the dental field?
There are numerous other professions in dentistry that are often overlooked, or many people just don’t know about them. From the dental hygienists that clean your teeth, to orthodontists who help give you a straight smile, there are many different facets of oral care. At Simply Smiles, we believe it’s important to really know the different professions dedicated to your oral health so that you know how we can all serve you and your smile in the best way possible. Here are some dental professions you may come across in your lifetime:
- Dental Nurse
Dental nurses act as a support system for the rest of the office. They look after patient records, make sure supplies and tools are ready to go, sanitize dental tools, and assist during dental treatments.
- Dental Therapist
A dental therapist provides education on oral health, offers treatment throughout the community, advises on how to stop smoking and takes mouth cancer screens, and treats individuals with dental anxiety.
- Dental Hygienist
If you’ve ever been to a routine dental cleaning, you were taken care of by a dental hygienist. Hygienists polish teeth while looking for signs of oral diseases such as cancer or gingivitis. They help provide preventative care by taking x-rays and applying fluoride and sealants. Hygienists also help educate patients on ways they can improve their at-home oral care routine.
- Dental Lab Technician
Dental technicians manufacture dental prosthetics such as bridges, crowns, or dentures. They use molds to help create these products out of materials like resin or porcelain. They cannot, however, diagnose, examine, or treat patients.
- Orthodontist
Orthodontists specialize in straightening and realigning teeth and jaws. They focus on diagnosing and treating malocclusions, or the misalignment of teeth. By using oral appliances, like braces, and specific methods, they can gradually help shift teeth into alignment. Typically they work with younger patients as their teeth are easier to move, but they work with adults as well.
- Endodontist
An endodontist focuses more on what’s going on inside the tooth. They perform treatments such as root canals or surgeries to treat dental injuries, infections, or decay.
- Periodontist
Periodontists help treat and diagnose issues that occur beneath the gums. Procedures they perform may include scaling, gingival grafts, root planing and debridement. Some may even specialize in dental implants.
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
These surgeons perform the more invasive procedures such as wisdom teeth removal or preparing the mouth for extensive and complex implants. They offer a wide range of services from performing biopsies and surgically removing tumors and growths to performing reconstructive surgery for those with congenital defects or injuries.
As you can see, a dentist is only one role among many others that exist just within the dental profession. We all work together to make sure your smile is healthy and aligned. While all of these professions are necessary and important, visiting your dentist twice a year is still your best line of defense against experiencing tooth decay or disease. Call our office today at Simply Smiles, and we’d love to assist you with any issue you may be facing and, if needed, point you in the best direction for further dental care.
Sources:
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/types-of-dentists
https://benevis.com/blog/dental-jobs/dental-jobs-which-is-right-for-you/
https://carrington.edu/blog/working-in-dentistry-list-of-careers-jobs-in-dental-field/
https://www.dentalhealth.org/blog/do-you-know-the-difference-between-different-dental-professionals