Who is a dentist?
A dentist is a licensed professional who offers dental care and treatment. They can diagnose and treat problems in your teeth and gums and manage oral health. Dentists may also advise on preventive measures that can help you avoid future problems. Besides general dentistry, some dentists may specialize in specific areas such as orthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, and so on.
Dentists offer services like scaling to clean plaque deposited on teeth, taking X-rays, performing fillings and extractions, and carrying out other preventative measures. The dental team includes dental assistants, hygienists, technicians, and receptionists. In many cases, a dentist also employs specialists to help with more complicated procedures.
Education and training of dentists
To become a licensed dental practitioner in the U.S., an aspiring candidate must follow a path of learning similar to that of a medical doctor. The first step is completing an undergraduate program and getting a bachelor of science degree. Following this, the candidate must take the dental admission test, and once they clear that, they can start applying to dental schools.
The training procedure at a dental school includes the following:
- Complete two years of biomedical science education and two years of clinical practice.
- Earn a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree.
- Earn a dental license by getting through the practical and written examinations.
What are the specializations within dentistry?
Various subspecialties within dentistry provide patients with the best care and rehabilitation. Mentioned below is a list of subspecialties authorized by the National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialities and Certifying Boards:
- Dental anesthesiology addresses pain, anxiety, and overall patient health during dental, oral, maxillofacial, and supplementary surgical or diagnostic procedures throughout the perioperative period.
- Dental public health is a para-clinical branch that helps prevent dental disorders through organized community efforts. These dental specialists identify critical oral health issues and formulate effective strategies to overcome them.
- Endodontics treats dental pulp disorders, including the nerves, blood supply, and other fibrous tissue of the tooth. A root canal is a common teeth-saving procedure practiced by endodontists.
- Based on histopathology, oral and maxillofacial pathology diagnoses diseases of the mouth, teeth, and surrounding regions.
- Oral and maxillofacial radiology performs X-rays, imaging techniques, and scans to diagnose and manage oral disorders. It aids dentists in developing effective treatment plans for their patients.
- Oral and maxillofacial surgery provides surgical interventions for mouth-related diseases and injuries. It especially emphasizes the treatment of oral cancer and other head and neck cancers.
- Oral medicine addresses the oral health care of medically complex patients, diagnosing and managing diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial area. This specialty typically does not involve surgery; it relies on diagnostic biopsies, minor excisions, and medical treatments using medications.
- Orofacial pain is a newly recognized advanced dental education discipline focusing on diagnosing, managing, and treating pain disorders affecting the jaw, mouth, face, head, and neck.
- Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics focus on correcting dental and facial irregularities. They involve correcting misaligned teeth and jaws with orthotic devices such as braces, aligners, retainers, etc.
- Periodontics treat diseases related to the gum tissues and the bone supporting the teeth. Often, cavities can erode the gums and cause bone loss, requiring the care of a periodontist.
- Prosthodontics provides facilities for restoring natural teeth and oral structures with artificial devices like dentures or replacing missing teeth. It is especially useful in the geriatric population.
What are the advantages of seeing a dentist near you?
Seeing a dentist can help ensure your mouth stays healthy and disease-free. It would help if you have routine checks with a dentist to prevent future health issues.
Some advantages of seeing a dentist include the following:
- Preventive care: A dentist can help prevent oral health problems or diagnose them early. It helps them catch early signs of cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease.
- Diagnosis and treatment: A dentist can diagnose and treat oral health problems you may not know. Going to the dentist often helps keep your mouth healthy and prevent significant issues in the future.
- Detecting signs of mouth cancer: Dentists can examine your mouth to detect early signs by checking for white or red patches. This helps them prepare effective treatment plans before the condition becomes a bigger problem. They can also check for neck or head cancer signs by checking for lumps.
- Maintain dentures, dental implants, crowns, and fillings: If you have had dental work done previously, a dentist can help maintain its condition by checking it routinely. They will ensure it's free from defects or signs of decay.
- Good oral hygiene: A dentist can teach you how to care for your teeth and gums, which helps maintain your oral hygiene. They can also help manage oral conditions such as bad breath or dry mouth.
What are the most common dental issues?
There are different dental issues that dentists encounter every day. However, some are more common than others. Here are the most common dental problems that dentists see:
- Cavities occur due to tooth decay. When plaque sits on the teeth, it breaks down the enamel, creating a hole in the tooth. It can hurt and, if left untreated, cause further damage to the tooth.
- Gum disease—is often caused by plaque buildup on the teeth and gums, which causes infection and inflammation.
- Tooth loss—is often a result of gum disease caused by other factors like cavities or trauma to the mouth.
- Bad breath—is usually caused by poor oral hygiene or certain medical conditions. It can be embarrassing and make it difficult for a person to interact with others.
- Oral cancer—is a severe condition in the mouth or throat. It is vital to have it diagnosed early on. Many cases get diagnosed during routine dental exams.
How do you keep your teeth healthy?
Good oral health is necessary to prevent gum disease, tooth decay, cavities, and other health issues. Here are some easy steps you can take to maintain the health of your teeth:
- Brush twice daily: It helps remove plaque buildup and avoid tooth decay and gum disease. It is a sticky film of bacteria that can occur even if you have fillings. You must brush in small circular motions and avoid scrubbing them too hard. Remember to brush your tongue or use a dedicated tongue cleaner. It will help prevent bad breath. You must also replace your toothbrush every three to four months.
- Floss your teeth once a day: It helps clean your teeth where your brush can't reach. Plaque buildup between your teeth can harden over time and cause dental problems. You can use water, a floss threader, or a floss holder.
- Use an antibacterial fluoride toothpaste: Fluoride helps strengthen your tooth's outer surface, which is called enamel. It also helps prevent decay and protect your teeth from cavities.
- Eat a well-balanced diet and avoid sugary food: Bacteria use sugar as a breeding ground. Eating less sugary drinks and snacks can help prevent the growth of bacteria. Eating healthy will also improve your overall health.
- Don't smoke or consume tobacco: Various studies and reports have proved the link between cigarettes/tobacco and oral health, increasing gum disease chances.
- Visit your dentist regularly for checkups: Getting routine checkups with a dentist near you will help you maintain your oral health significantly. They can catch early signs of various dental problems and provide treatments if necessary.
Why is oral health important?
Oral health can affect your overall health, self-esteem, and quality of life. Good oral health means more than just having a pretty smile. Your teeth and gums are a primary defense against infection. Interestingly, your mouth is full of bacteria. Although certain germs benefit your health, others can cause gum disease and tooth decay, so proper oral hygiene is essential.
Oral health problems can also be symptoms of other health problems. For example, gum disease has been associated with heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
How to find the best dentist in Hollywood, Florida?
Do you want good oral health and are tired of searching for the top-rated dentist in Hollywood, Florida? Do not worry! Zocdoc is here to help you find a dentist near you accepting new patients who meet all your dental health needs. To find a dentist, either register on the Zocdoc website or download the app. Once logged in, start filling in the details, such as your medical condition or procedure required or a specific doctor, city, state, or zip code, preferred appointment date, and insurance carrier plan.
Zocdoc will then direct you to the appointments page and show you a comprehensive list of dentists accepting new patients in Hollywood, Florida, who meet your specific criteria. You can choose how you wish to consult a dentist and book an in-person or video consultation. In addition, you can select the specialty, check availability and distance, and choose your preferred language.
If you want to find a provider who accepts your insurance, add your insurance information on the Zocdoc search. You can also upload a photo of your insurance card (this option is not available for vision or dental plans), and we will scan and display your insurance plan. It will help you find accurate results of qualified dentists. Check out Zocdoc's patient help center for more information and solutions related to insurance.
Once you have selected the options, you can make a hassle-free booking for a dentist near you accepting new patients. All bookings on Zocdoc are simple, secure, and 100% free!
Statistics about dentists and dental health in Florida
According to a report published by the Florida Department of Health, in 2020–21, about 1,482 licensed dentists were practicing in Broward County; Hollywood, Florida, belongs to southern Broward County. According to 2024 data from the Florida Department of Health’s Florida Health CHARTS, approximately 63.6% of adults in Florida visited a dentist or dental clinic within the previous year. Meanwhile, 45.3% of adults had had at least one permanent tooth removed because of tooth decay or gum disease. Among adults aged 65 and older, 11.9% had lost all of their permanent teeth due to tooth decay or gum disease.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2021, there were about 8,080 dentists employed in Florida. It made Florida the state with the third-highest employment rate for dentists in the U.S., next to California and Texas.
Sources
WebMD
American Dental Association
Cleveland Clinic
National Institute of Aging
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research[1]
Mayo Clinic
Florida Department of Health
Florida Health
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Florida Department of Health
Cigna Healthcare
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research[2]
