What is dentistry?
Dentistry is a form of medicine that focuses on individuals' oral health. It is a vital part of healthcare as it aids in preventing and treating diseases and conditions affecting the mouth's teeth, gums, and other structures. Dentists are the primary healthcare providers who treat various dental problems, including cavities, gum disease, tooth loss, and misaligned teeth.
Dentists emphasize that dental hygiene is integral to overall health and well-being. They stress the importance of brushing and flossing regularly to remove plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. Plaque can lead to concerns such as tooth decay and gum disease. Dentists also recommend regular visits for check-ups and cleanings to maintain good dental health.
In recent years, dentists have made significant advances in their field. They use technology such as digital X-rays and CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and manufacturing) systems, which allow them to diagnose and treat dental conditions with greater precision.
Dentists train in general dentistry and specialized fields such as orthodontics and endodontics. They provide multiple preventive and restorative services, helping patients maintain excellent oral healthcare and a good smile.
What are the qualifications of a dentist?
Dentists begin their careers by completing a bachelor's degree. They then enroll in a four-year dental school program. These programs usually cover coursework in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and dental materials. They also provide clinical training in various dental procedures. After graduating from dental school, dentists pass national and state licensing exams to practice dentistry. All 50 states require applicants to pass the Integrated National Board Dental Examinations (INBDE) that the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE) regulates. In addition to the NBDE, most states require dentists to pass a state-specific licensing exam.
Some states also require dentists to complete continuing education courses to maintain their licensure. Continuing education helps dentists stay up-to-date on the latest techniques, technologies, and research in dentistry.
Dentists have formal education and licensing and possess certain personal qualities. They have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and manual dexterity. They also work well under pressure and make decisions quickly to provide high-quality dental care to their patients.
What are some types of dental specialties?
There are several types of dentists: general dentists, who provide a range of restorative and preventive dental services, and specialized dentists, who focus on specific areas of dental care, such as endodontics, periodontics, and endodontics.
- Dentists provide various preventive and restorative services as part of general dentistry. They maintain healthy teeth and gums through regular cleanings and check-ups. Additionally, dentists use fluoride treatments and sealants to protect against tooth decay. Restorative dentistry consists of repairing damaged teeth through procedures such as fillings, crowns, and bridges.
- Orthodontics is a specialty in dentistry where the dentist focuses on diagnosing and treating malocclusion or misaligned teeth. Orthodontists use various techniques, including braces and retainers, to straighten teeth and correct bite problems.
- Periodontics is another specialty that focuses on gum health and tooth-supporting structures. Periodontists diagnose and treat gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
- Endodontics is a specialty in dentistry that treats diseases and injuries of the dental pulp. This pulp is the inner tissue of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels. Endodontists perform root canal procedures to remove infected or damaged dental pulp and save the tooth.
- Prosthodontics focuses on biocompatible replacements for missing or diseased teeth and the oral and maxillofacial tissues. It is a branch of dentistry concerned with their diagnosis, treatment, and oral function. When fixing damaged teeth and replacing lost ones, a prosthodontist goes above and beyond what a regular dentist can do. They use dentures or crowns (caps) to replace the teeth lost from extraction.
- Oral and maxillofacial surgery involves diagnosing and surgically repairing conditions affecting the jaws, face, and related structures. Surgery of the face, mouth, and jaw may help people with tumors, masses, and cysts in the jaws.
- It is the goal of oral and maxillofacial radiology, a subspecialty of dentistry and a branch of radiology, to provide accurate diagnoses and effective treatments for various conditions and diseases affecting the face, mouth, and jaws.
- Anesthesiologists in dental anesthesiology ensure patients' comfort and safety before, during, and after invasive dental, oral, maxillofacial, and ancillary diagnostic or surgical treatments. Some dentists focus on anesthesiology research, while others focus on enhancing patient safety in dentistry.
- Oral and maxillofacial pathology, a subspecialty of dentistry and a branch of pathology in its own right, focuses on studying and treating illnesses of the mouth and face. It's a field of study dedicated to learning more about these illnesses.
- Pediatric dentistry, sometimes called pedodontics, focuses on the dental health of newborns, children, and adolescents of all ages, including those with particular medical needs. These dentists can spot the early warning signs of cavities, crowding, crookedness, and even tooth loss so that treatment can begin.
- Organized community initiatives, such as dental research and therapy, contribute to dental public health by assisting, preventing, and controlling dental illnesses and promoting dental health.
Common conditions a dentist near you can treat
Here are some common conditions a dentist can help you with:
- Tooth sensitivity: Dentists treat tooth sensitivity, which occurs when the enamel protecting the tooth surface becomes worn down due to tooth decay, gum recession, and enamel erosion. They can recommend desensitizing toothpaste or fluoride treatments to alleviate sensitivity.
- Tooth decay (cavities): Dentists address one of the most prevalent dental issues, tooth decay, caused by plaque buildup that produces acids eroding tooth enamel. They treat cavities by removing the decayed portion of the tooth and filling the cavity.
- Gum disease: Dentists treat gum disease, an inflammation of the tissues around and supporting the teeth caused by plaque buildup. Symptoms include swelling, bleeding gums, bad breath, and tooth loss. To prevent gum disease, dentists recommend maintaining a daily oral hygiene routine and staying current with regular dental cleanings.
- Bruxism: Dentists treat bruxism, a condition involving involuntary grinding, gnashing, or teeth clenching, usually during sleep. This condition causes tooth wear, fractures, and jaw pain and often links to stress, anxiety, and misaligned teeth. Dentists use mouthguards, stress management techniques, and dental interventions as standard treatments.
- Dental trauma: Dentists treat dental trauma resulting from injuries or accidents, such as chipped, cracked, or broken teeth. They evaluate the extent of the injury and provide appropriate treatments, which may include implants, bonding, or crowns to restore the appearance of the affected teeth.
- Hyperdontia: Dentists manage hyperdontia, a condition characterized by supernumerary teeth exceeding the usual number. These extra teeth can develop in various locations within the oral cavity and may cause issues like cleft palate or Gardner's Syndrome. Treatment typically involves extraction or orthodontic intervention.
When should you consult a dentist?
Individuals should schedule routine check-ups and cleanings with their dentists at least twice a year. Dentists can check the overall health of the teeth and gums, detecting problems like cavities or gum disease early on. Detecting and treating dental issues early allows dentists to prevent more severe problems from developing, ultimately saving individuals time and money in the long run.
In addition to routine check-ups, there are many other situations where it is advisable to consult a dentist. Some of these include:
- Experiencing pain or discomfort in the teeth, gums, or mouth
- Seeing visible signs of decay, such as cavities or brown spots on the teeth
- Having trouble biting or chewing food
- Noticing changes in the alignment of the teeth or bite
- Sensitive reaction to hot or cold foods and drinks
- Noticeable changes in appearance of the teeth or gums, such as redness or swelling
If you are experiencing these issues, you must find a dentist near you accepting new patients. They will help you determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment. Ignoring these conditions might result in more significant dental issues requiring more comprehensive and expensive treatment.
Typical questions you can ask your dentist
Before your appointment, you should prepare a list of questions for your dentist to get the most from the dental visit. However, if you don't know what to ask, the following compilation is a good place to start:
Questions during your routine dental check-up:
- What type of toothpaste and toothbrush would you recommend I use?
- What is the proper brushing and flossing technique?
- What is the right mouthwash for me? How many times should I use it?
- How can I whiten my teeth naturally? Would you recommend teeth whitening treatments?
- What foods are good and bad for my teeth?
- What lifestyle changes should I make to protect my teeth, gums, and mouth?
- How often should I visit for a preventative dental exam and cleaning?
- Should I drink fluoridated water?
- What dental signs should I not ignore?
Questions before an oral surgery:
- How should I prepare for the oral surgery?
- What are the potential risks or complications I should know?
- Can you explain the procedure?
- What should I eat before and after the oral surgery?
- What should I follow and avoid during the recovery period?
- How long will it take to heal completely?
Questions during pregnancy:
- How frequently should I schedule a dental appointment during pregnancy?
- How can I prevent morning sickness from damaging my teeth?
- Why is gum disease common in pregnancy?
- Are dental procedures safe during pregnancy? What about anesthesia?
- Does my oral health impact my baby?
Questions for your child's dentist:
- How often should I bring my child in for a dental check-up?
- What are the best ways to lessen my child's dental anxiety?
- Do you have any lifestyle, diet, and oral hygiene tips for my child?
How to find the right dentist near you in Astoria, New York?
Finding a dentist that accepts new patients in Astoria or anywhere else can be challenging. People generally consult the same dentist when they need a consultation, so your choice of dentist can end up being long-term. It would assist if you used Zocdoc, a platform that connects patients with the proper specialist in minutes.
Enter your symptoms, condition, doctor's specialty, and location in the search bar. Based on your search parameters, Zocdoc generates a list of doctors that meet your criteria. You can personalize the results further with filters—gender, language, pediatric care, hospital affiliations, etc.
Before scheduling an appointment, Zocdoc allows you to determine whether a doctor takes your insurance plan quickly. If your insurance plan isn't featured on Zocdoc, try submitting a photo of your medical insurance card (not vision or dental). We will scan the image of your card and display your most likely plan. If you are experiencing problems uploading a photo of your card, please contact our service team. If you have further insurance-related questions, please visit Zocdoc's patient help center.
Once you have a list that suits your preference, you can read doctors' profiles to learn about their education, training, awards, certifications, experience, expertise, accreditations, etc. Once you find the right dentist near you, you may book a virtual or in-person appointment with the provider—quickly, securely, and cost-free!
Dental health statistics in Astoria, New York
We can understand the role of dentists in Astoria and New York by looking at oral healthcare statistics in the area. According to the 2022 America's Health Rankings data, about 64.3% of New York adults visited a dentist within a year. A 2018 updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention source states that about 13.8% of people over 65 have lost their natural teeth due to oral disorders like tooth decay or gum disease.
According to NYC Health, over one in three third-graders in New York City has untreated tooth decay. These numbers underline the crucial role of dentists in treating oral conditions and enhancing the overall dental healthcare of the area.
According to America's Health Rankings, in September 2024, New York had around 72.9 general dentists and advanced practice dental therapists per 100,000 residents, exceeding the country's average of about 65.8 per 100,000 people. According to the New York State Education Department's records, as of January 1, 2025, they issued about 1,596 registered licenses in Queens, where Astoria is a neighborhood.
Sources
WebMD[1]
WebMD[2]
WebMD[3]
Mills River Family Dental
Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations
Coastal Dental Care
America's Health Rankings[1]
America's Health Rankings[2]
New York State Education Department
Webster Dental
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[1]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[2]
NYC Health
Titan Dental Care
Maidstone Dental
Radiance Dental
CareCredit
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