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Who is a dentist?

Dentistry is a field of medicine focused on diagnosing, treating, preventing, and managing oral diseases. These include the conditions of teeth, supporting structures, and soft tissues of the mouth. A healthcare professional that specializes in dentistry is called a dentist.

Healthy teeth result in beautiful smiles and, as a result, enhanced confidence. Thus, having a healthy and clean mouth can be a great asset. Regular check-ups help maintain good oral health, improve overall well-being, and help prevent severe conditions down the road.

Dental experts promote healthy dental hygiene. They diagnose oral conditions and create treatment plans to improve their patient'spatients' oral health. They also use modern technologies and equipment, such as lasers, X-rays, scalpels, brushes, and other tools, while performing dental procedures. Daily dentistry tasks include dental restorations, braces or denture implants, damaged teeth removal, and anesthetic administration.

What are the educational qualifications of a dentist?

Dentists' educational and training requirements are similar to any trained doctor's. Dental students mostly complete their bachelor's of science or equivalent degrees in related subjects like biology, chemistry, health, math, etc. They then need to pass dental admission tests to apply to dental schools.

The curriculum in dental schools typically involves two years of biomedical science courses like anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, and pathology. The following two years focus on the clinical practice of dental coursework, which involves treating and diagnosing oral health conditions. They acquire a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.

Upon completing eight years of rigorous training, dentists must clear the state or regional clinical licensing exams to practice. They must meet the licensure conditions and keep up-to-date with all clinical and scientific developments. To achieve this, dentists continue their education and research like other doctors. Dentists may also choose to continue their education and specialize in a particular area of focus. As per the selected specialty, they may have to complete a residency training program of one to three years.

How many dental specialties are there?

There are multiple areas of focus that a dentist may choose to specialize in, including -

• Pedodontics— This branch of dentistry focuses on treating children, adolescents, and teenagers.
• Orthodontics— Orthodontists offer braces, retainers, and other appliances that realign your bite and strengthen teeth for health and functioning. 
• Endodontics—This specialization focuses on root canal therapy. While a general dentist might perform root canals, they would refer you to an endodontist for complex cases.
• Periodontics—This specialization focuses on treating gum disease and other conditions affecting the tissues around teeth.
• Prosthodontics—A prosthodontist makes natural-looking restorations such as crowns and dentures. 
• Oral and maxillofacial surgery—Oral surgeons treat injuries, diseases, and defects in the structures of the jaws and orofacial (mouth and face) structures.
• Oral and maxillofacial pathology—Oral pathologists study the causes and effects of oral disease and often diagnose complex cases. 
• Oral and maxillofacial radiology— Oral radiologists are experts in interpreting dental imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans. 
• Public health dentistry— Dentists in public health design programs to improve oral health within communities. 
• Dental anesthesiology— Dental anesthesiologists offer advanced pain management services for those undergoing dental or oral surgery.
• Oral medicine— This branch of dentistry focuses on diagnosing and treating people with chronic medical conditions.
• Orofacial pain management—Specialists diagnose, treat, and prevent pain in the teeth, jaws, head, and face. 
• Cosmetic dentistry— Cosmetic dentists use teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and other procedures to enhance your smile's appearance.
• Implant dentistry—Implant dentists use dental implants, a popular tooth replacement. General dentists may also place implants. 
• Reconstructive dentistry—Dentists in this specialty focus on treating people with extensive cavities or gum disease, performing full mouth reconstruction or rehabilitation. 
• Forensic dentistry—Dentists in this field examine and interpret teeth and dental records for legal purposes, such as identifying victims. 

Why is oral health important?

A healthy smile positively influences our visual appearance and creates an impactful first impression on others. It also improves our overall health. Maintaining a low-sugar diet, brushing your teeth twice daily, and regular dental visits can help reduce the chances of having dental decay and gum diseases. An excellent oral health routine can almost entirely prevent tooth loss caused by gum disease or tooth decay. Gum diseases inflame blood vessels and block blood supply to the brain, increasing the risk of a potential stroke. New studies reveal that people with gum diseases are more likely to develop diabetes.

Bad breath, or halitosis, often results from plaque build-up and commonly signals gum disease or tooth decay. Maintaining healthy and clean teeth can avoid this undesirable and embarrassing condition.

Dentists recommend scheduling a routine check-up twice yearly to ensure optimal oral health. Other than routine check-ups, there could be multiple reasons for you to visit your dentist. For instance, if you are feeling discomfort or pain in your mouth, jaws, teeth, or gums or experiencing swelling around your mouth or neck, it's a sign to visit your dentist. You can book an appointment with a dentist near you if you or your loved ones develop new or concerning symptoms such as -

• A toothache
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Sensitivity in teeth
• Swollen, bleeding gums
• Abscessed tooth
• Jaw pain
• Bruxism (teeth grinding)
• Persistent bad breath
• Bumps, lumps, or sores in your mouth

Similarly, dental care visits should also follow common issues such as bleeding gums or trouble during chewing or swallowing. Pregnant women are also encouraged to make dental visits to monitor their health, as hormonal changes during pregnancy increase the risk of gum diseases, which can affect the developing baby's health.

How to prepare for a dentist appointment?

Many people find it challenging to schedule regular appointments with a dentist near them, whether for minor issues like toothaches or serious concerns like infections. Despite the discomfort many feel about visiting the dentist, it is crucial to maintain good dental health in the long term.

Preparing for a dentist appointment involves more than brushing and flossing beforehand, although those are essential for maintaining oral hygiene. Several other considerations ensure a smooth experience at the dentist's office.

• Understanding the purpose of your dental appointment is crucial. Whether for a routine check-up and cleaning or a specific procedure, being clear about why you're visiting helps you mentally prepare. If unsure, it's wise to contact the clinic for clarification. Knowing what to expect can alleviate nervousness, allowing you to mentally and physically prepare for the appointment.
• Preparation is key, especially when visiting the dentist, particularly with children in tow. Gathering your dental kit, medical records, and items for comfort and entertainment ahead of time is essential. Packing everything in a bag the night before ensures you're ready to go when it's time to head to the dentist's office.
• Maintaining oral hygiene before a dental appointment is considerate and beneficial for you and your dentist. Gargling mouthwash helps ensure your mouth is clean, reducing potential discomfort during the procedure and creating a more pleasant experience for everyone involved.
• In addition to using mouthwash, brushing and flossing your teeth about an hour before your appointment is advisable. This ensures no food residue between teeth, facilitating the dentist's cleaning process. Plus, it's a hygienic practice that keeps your breath fresh and minty during the procedure.
• To maintain oral cleanliness, refrain from eating at least two hours before your appointment. If you must eat, opt for light snacks like crackers or nuts, avoiding intensely aromatic foods such as garlic or onion. Ideally, avoid food altogether. You can indulge in your favorite meal after you visit the dentist as a treat.
• A valuable tip for dental appointments is to prepare all your information in advance. Dental clinics typically require various forms filled out with personal details. Having this information ready makes the process smoother. Ensure you have details like your name, phone number, address, insurance information, and medical records readily available to avoid any inconvenience.
• Preparing to share your medical history is crucial before any dental procedure. This includes your medical background, like past diagnoses, medications, and familial medical history. Providing this information helps your dentist understand how to approach your condition and select appropriate medications. You must mention any allergies you have to ensure safe and effective treatment.

A dentist's guide to a healthy smile

To keep your teeth healthy, you must practice good dental hygiene. Dentists recommend these actionable steps for optimal oral care:

• Brush twice a day: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Position the brush at a 45-degree angle toward your gums to remove plaque and bacteria along the gum line. Be thorough by brushing all surfaces, including the backs and sides of your teeth.
• Clean your tongue: The tongue traps bacteria that can cause bad breath and oral health issues. As part of your oral regimen, brush your tongue or, for better results, use a tongue scraper.
• Use antibacterial mouthwash: An alcohol-free mouthwash helps reduce harmful bacteria, prevent plaque build-up, and rinse away debris. Incorporate it daily to complement brushing and flossing.
• Floss daily: Flossing is crucial for cleaning areas between teeth that brushing cannot reach. Use an 18-inch piece of dental floss, wrapping the ends around your middle fingers. Guide it gently between two teeth, wrap it in a C shape around one tooth, and clean with about 10 up-and-down strokes. Repeat for all teeth. If flossing is challenging, try interproximal brushes or dental picks. While water flossers help remove debris, they cannot eliminate biofilm, so traditional flossing remains necessary.
• Visit a dentist near you regularly: Routine dental exams and cleanings are vital. Schedule visits every six months or more frequently if you have a history of gum disease or cavities.
• Avoid smoking: Smoking contributes to gum disease and oral cancer. Quit tobacco products to improve your oral and overall health.

Finding the best dentists in Long Beach, California

Having the best dentist for you and your loved ones is essential. However, finding in-network dentists near you who accept your insurance plan can be incredibly challenging. The good news is that you have Zocdoc to help you! 

Regarding finding good doctors, Zocdoc is a one-stop solution platform for all your requirements. With its location-based search, you can find good dentists in and around your locality in seconds. You can also compare providers and choose the one that suits your needs. To connect with the top-rated dentists in Long Beach, California, visit the Zocdoc website and search using the details of your symptoms, preferred date of appointment, visit type, and even insurance provider. You can use filters for preferred language, time of day, gender, hospital affiliation, etc.

Zocdoc also provides you with a profile for each dentist, including their qualifications, accreditations, areas of expertise, hospital affiliations, certifications, licenses, and other relevant details. You can also read through verified patient reviews and ratings to help you choose better. Zocdoc also has an insurance finder feature that lets you skip the hassle and locate a dentist who will accept your plan. When arranging an appointment via Zocdoc, you'll usually need to input your insurance information or specify if you're self-paying. Some healthcare providers may need insurance details for appointment scheduling. If you opt out of using insurance or lack coverage, alternative providers on Zocdoc can cater to your preferences. If you have multiple insurance plans, you can add your medical, dental, and vision plans to your Zocdoc account; however, you'll only be able to search for and book appointments using one plan at a time. You can note your secondary insurance carrier and plan details in the provider's notes section for additional coverage during the final booking step. If your provider utilizes Zocdoc's Intake forms, you can add your secondary insurance information when completing the forms online. For more insurance-related questions, please visit Zocdoc's patient help center.

The best part? All bookings made on Zocdoc are simple, secure, and 100% free! Choose Zocdoc to book your appointment with one of the best family dentists near you today.

Statistics on dental health in California, United States

Data from the United Health Foundation shows that in 2021, about 64.6% of adults aged 18 and above in California visited a dentist or dental clinic. Corresponding figures across the United States were 66.7% for the same year. California ranks 31st in terms of dental visits by state in the United States.

According to another report published in 2021 by the United Health Foundation, California has nearly 77.5 dental providers (general dentists and advanced practice dental therapists) per 100,000 population, more than the national average of about 62.3. 

Notably, across the US, California ranks at 4, with a value of 77.5 in the number of Dental Care Providers (general dentists and advanced practice dental therapists) per 100,000 population. 

A recent report on Community Health Assessment published by the Long Beach Health and Human Services (2013) indicates that more than 20% of Long Beach residents are uninsured. In the South Bay area, which includes Long Beach and other cities, around 37.2% of adults do not have dental insurance. For visits, the report suggests that the percentage of women (71.2%) visiting dentists was higher than that of men (58.9%) for the same year. 

Sources

Maine Dental Association

WebMD[1]

WebMD[2]

Oral Health Foundation

United Health Foundation[1]

United Health Foundation[2]

Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services

Cleveland Clinic[1]

Cleveland Clinic[2]

Century Dental 

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.