Who is a dentist?
A dentist is a doctor who helps prevent, diagnose, and treat oral diseases and conditions. They help maintain the health of not only the teeth but also:
- Gums
- Tongue
- Salivary glands
- Muscles of the head, neck, and jaw
- Other tissues in and around the mouth
They can evaluate patients' overall health and perform various clinical procedures such as fillings, implants, crowns, extractions, and corrective surgery. Regular dental visits can help check for oral cancer and other severe oral conditions. Dentists can also detect illnesses in different body parts as symptoms often surface first in the oral cavity.
Dentists can screen for oral cancer, perform biopsies, and conduct diagnostic tests for infectious and chronic diseases and salivary gland function. They may also refer patients to other specialists if they feel they can benefit from specialized treatment.
One of the most famous tasks of a dentist is treating cavities, a prevalent chronic disease among children in America. It is possible to prevent cavities very effectively if visits to the dentist are regular. Unfortunately, many adults believe it is only necessary to visit a dentist when they or their loved ones are in pain, often leading to long-term chronic issues. One can prevent most dental diseases with a biannual visit to the dentist.
What kind of education and training do dentists receive?
Before enrolling in a dental school, students must graduate in chemistry, biology, and math. Dental schools are different from medical schools. However, their academic standards are on par with those of medical schools. Students learn and train for four years in dental school.
Students gain theoretical knowledge in classrooms and laboratories during the first two years. They learn the same subjects taught in medical schools—pathology, microbiology, anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and more. After the first two years, students undergo practical training under the guidance of experienced dentists and other specialists. They learn to diagnose and treat oral illnesses in medical settings like clinics and hospitals.
Upon completing dental school, students earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) degree. These degrees mean they can perform the same dental procedures and receive the same education and training.
Dentists can begin practicing after clearing a national, state-level, and often a regional licensing exam. They must meet continuing education requirements throughout their careers to keep updated with the latest field developments. Some dentists prefer to learn and train further in any one of the nine recognized dental specialties.
Different dentists specializations
When you think of a dentist near you, a general or family dentist comes to mind. These professionals offer dental services, including cleanings, sealants, fillings, teeth whitening, and dental implants. They're the go-to experts for routine care and overall oral health maintenance.
However, dentistry has several specialties designed to address specific concerns:
- Endodontists are experts in treating the inner parts of teeth, especially root canal therapy.
- Oral surgeons: Skilled in surgical procedures like tooth extractions or jaw surgeries.
- Orthodontists: Specialists correcting bite issues using braces, clear aligners, and other orthodontic devices.
- Pediatric dentists (pedodontists): Focused on treating dental issues in children from infancy through adolescence.
- Periodontists: Diagnose and treat gum disease and issues with the structures that support your teeth.
- Prosthodontists: Specializes in creating dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, and dentures to rebuild and enhance your smile.
There are also more unique dental fields:
- Public health dentists: They design oral health programs for communities, especially those with limited access to dental care.
- Forensic dentists: These professionals work within the legal system, helping to identify individuals and analyze dental evidence in criminal investigations.
So, whether you need a routine check-up or a specialized procedure, there's always a dentist near you ready to provide the care you need.
Are orthodontists and dentists the same?
While orthodontists and dentists specialize in oral healthcare, dentists practice general dentistry after clearing medical school. About 80% of dentists practice general dentistry. The rest, like endodontists and periodontists, are specialists, including orthodontists. Orthodontists have specialized in diagnosing and treating teeth and jaw misalignments.
Dentists can take and interpret dental X-rays, extract, fill, bond, and repair teeth. They can whiten teeth, treat gingivitis (gum disease), perform oral surgery, and install crowns and veneers.
Orthodontists supervise children's facial (jawline and bite) growth, treat malocclusion, and create treatment plans requiring retainers and braces. It is independent of their other tasks, including performing teeth straightening surgery. They can also install palatal expanders or orthodontic headgear.
When should you see a dentist near you?
A visit to the dentist twice a year, once every six months, is recommended for regular checkups and preventive care. Dentists can prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar, which could result in gum disease and tooth decay. They can check for signs of mouth cancer and advise on how to best care for one's teeth.
If you experience pain or discomfort in the gums, jaws, mouth, or teeth, visiting a dentist near you will help. Dentists can also treat any facial, neck, or mouth swelling or pain. Bleeding gums and swallowing or chewing problems also mean something is wrong and will demand a visit to the dentist.
Moreover, dentists can treat chipped or broken teeth, teeth sensitivity, boxy or short teeth, teeth grinding (bruxism), and persistent bad breath. It would help if you visited a dentist near you in case of sores, lumps, bumps in the mouth, or any other abnormality.
Furthermore, pregnant women and those who smoke or use tobacco in any other form should regularly visit a dentist to monitor their health. Those with chronic medical issues should also regularly visit the dentist for the same purpose.
What to expect at the appointment?
Schedule your dental appointment according to your work or school schedule to ensure you feel less rushed or anxious about returning. To better plan your time, it's a good idea to inquire about the expected duration of the examination and cleaning from your dentist. Opting for an appointment later in the day can allow you to head straight home. If you have dental insurance, ensure your dentist is in-network before booking your appointment. If you don't have insurance, check how much you would have to pay for the visit. Arriving promptly to your appointment is essential to allow time for any paperwork requested by the dental office.
During your routine visit, a dental hygienist will perform a cleaning procedure, meticulously removing any buildup of tartar and plaque, one tooth at a time. They may also floss your teeth. Don't hesitate to inform them if your jaw is uncomfortable so you can have rest breaks when needed. After the cleaning, they will ask you to rinse well, followed by a teeth polishing and another rinse. You can expect a dental X-ray as part of your preventive care, typically done yearly.
The dentist will perform a comprehensive examination, looking at each tooth and examining for any concerning symptoms. Afterward, the dentist will discuss what you should expect after this appointment. If it has been a while since your last dentist appointment, you can expect the same care as in a routine visit with some additional steps. For example, if you're a new patient, the dentist will perform X-rays to assess the state of your teeth and gums. Considering the extended gap since your last appointment, you will also undergo a deep cleaning session with the hygienist.
If the dentist detects any problems, remember that addressing them brings you one step closer to improving your oral health. With good dental habits and regular appointments, your follow-up visits will be much easier.
After your visit, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers if you experience mouth soreness. You may even ask questions between visits, particularly for dental emergencies like broken teeth, which require immediate notification to your dentist. Cleaning and examination every six months are advisable, though the specific schedule may vary based on your dentist's guidance.
What questions can you ask your dentist?
Are you going to visit your dentist to address a dental emergency? Have you booked an appointment for your routine dental checkup? You must prepare for the dental visit, including recording symptoms and collecting medical records. Another essential step you must remember is writing questions to ask your dentist. Addressing all dental health-related queries with your provider is always advisable instead of relying on information online. This way, you can ensure that you receive tailored answers for your specific dental situation:
Questions about overall oral health
- How would you describe the state of my teeth and gums?
- Did you find any dental problems that need immediate attention?
- Does my personal or family medical history put me at risk of any dental conditions in the future?
- How can I avoid bad breath?
Questions about oral hygiene
- What type of toothbrush and toothpaste would you recommend for me?
- Is an electric toothbrush better than a manual one?
- What is the proper brushing and flossing technique?
- Would you recommend using a mouthwash?
Questions about oral procedures
- Can you explain what I can expect during the recommended dental procedure?
- What are its benefits and risks?
- Will you be using anesthesia for the procedure? If yes, what type?
- What precautions do I need to take after the procedure?
- Will I need follow-up care?
Questions about preventative oral care
- How often should I visit you for comprehensive dental exams and cleanings?
- What foods should I eat more of? Which foods should I avoid?
- Should I make any lifestyle changes for optimal oral health?
How to take care of your oral health?
Caring for your oral health begins with consistent daily routines. Firstly, brush your teeth twice daily with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Don’t skip your tongue, as it can harbor bacteria. Further, clean between your teeth daily with floss, a water flosser, or any interdental cleaning tool suited to you.
Limit sugary treats and beverages, and follow a well-balanced diet to protect your teeth. Swap your toothbrush every three to four months or earlier if the bristles fray. Make it a point to visit a dentist near you at least once a year for a thorough check-up and cleaning. Depending on your oral condition, your dentist might recommend more frequent visits or refer you to a gum care expert, known as a periodontist.
Avoid tobacco, as it can damage your gums and overall health. If you spot any signs of oral trouble—like bleeding gums, tooth pain, or persistent sores—immediately contact a dentist. A consistent oral care routine brightens your smile and supports your overall wellness.
How do you find an excellent local dentist near you in Jersey City, NJ?
Finding a reliable dentist in Jersey City, New Jersey, takes time and effort. Zocdoc can help you find one.
Register for a free account on the Zocdoc website to get started. You can find hundreds of medical specialists in our extensive database using filters such as location and insurance coverage. Our clever technology gives you a list of potential matches within minutes.
However, if you do not have a health plan or want to keep your insurance information private when booking your appointment, there's a solution for that as well. You can acknowledge that you will be bearing out-of-pocket expenses by choosing "I'm paying for myself" from the drop-down menu. You will instantly receive providers accepting patients without asking for insurance information. For more insurance-related details, check the Zocdoc patient help center page.
Once you have a list of dentists who match your criteria, click on individual profiles for more details. Each profile includes the dentist's training and education history, board certification, hospital affiliations, accolades, awards, accreditations, areas of expertise, and academic qualifications. You can choose a dentist based on their gender, languages spoken, and other factors. For instance, if you want dental care for your child, you can use the filters to find a pediatric dentist near you.
You can use our ratings and reviews from verified patients to help you choose. You can schedule a virtual session first, then an in-person one. Our straightforward booking process makes selecting a time slot based on the dentist's availability simple. The weekends and after regular office hours may also be accessible for appointments with some dentists.
Finding a good dentist near you is simple, cost-free, and secure with Zocdoc.
Statistics on dentists and dental visits in New Jersey
According to the United Health Foundation, in 2020, about 68.1% of the adult population in New Jersey reported visiting a dentist or a dental clinic in the past year. It was higher than the national average of 66.7%. More women (71.5%) than men (64.5%) visited a dentist in the state. Further, those aged between 45 and 64 (71.1%) were more likely to see a dentist than any other age group. The percentage was lower in those aged 18 to 44 (65.5%) and those 65 and above (68.6%).
According to the United Health Foundation, in September 2022, there were 70.2 general dentists and advanced practice dental therapists per 100,000 population in the state, exceeding the national average of 60.6.
As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 3,140 general dentists in New Jersey in May 2022.
Sources
American Dental Education Association
WebMD[1]
Healthline
Cleveland Clinic[1]
United Health Foundation[1]
United Health Foundation[2]
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
WebMD[2]
Oakville Place Dental Office
Absolute Dental
Radiance Dental
Gentle Smiles of Colorado
Mayo Clinic
Cleveland Clinic [2]
