Who is a dentist?
A dentist diagnoses and treats conditions of the teeth, gums, and other mouth tissues. They also care for the jaw, salivary glands, tongue, nervous system of the neck and head, and muscles of the head and neck. Moreover, they can treat any abnormality, such as lumps, swellings, ulcerations, and discolorations in the teeth and gums.
Dentists advise on how to maintain oral health and prevent diseases. They can perform clinical procedures such as exams, corrective surgeries, fillings, crowns, extractions, and implants. Further, dentists can oversee the development of the teeth and jaws, prescribe medication, whiten teeth, and treat gum diseases such as gingivitis. They can conduct and interpret X-rays and repair cracked teeth.
What kind of education and training do dentists receive?
Aspiring dentists must first graduate with health, chemistry, biology, or mathematics subjects. They must then clear a dental admissions test to enroll in dental school. Dental schools are on par with medical schools in terms of education. Students learn and train for four years in dental schools.
During the initial two years, they learn biomedical sciences in classrooms and laboratories. The following two years involve clinical practice under the guidance of experienced doctors and specialists. Here, students learn to diagnose and treat oral illnesses and conditions. After graduating from dental school, students earn a degree in Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) or a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. Dentists must clear written and practical state-level licensure examinations before practicing. They can also become board-certified by taking the National Board Dental Examination.
What are the various dental specialties?
Some dentists prefer to specialize further in a specific area of dentistry. For this, they must complete a residency, which can last from one to three years, depending on the specialty chosen. Nine recognized areas of dental specialties exist.
- Dental public health: This specialty involves designing programs to improve oral health within communities and prevent oral diseases and conditions. Dentists must study and train for 15 months after dental school to clear this residency.
- Periodontics: This field focuses on diagnosing and treating illnesses affecting the tissues around the teeth. Periodontists can treat gum disease and problems with the bone supporting the teeth. Dentists must complete a 35-month residency to master this specialty.
- Prosthodontics: This specialty creates natural-looking dental restorations such as dentures, crowns, and bridges. Prosthodontists use these to restore natural teeth and replace missing teeth and oral structures. A residency in this specialty lasts 32 months.
- Pediatric dentistry: Pediatric dentistry caters to the oral care of infants and children through adolescence. This specialty is called pedodontics, and the residency takes 25 months.
- Orthodontics: Orthodontists focus on realigning the bite and straightening teeth for optimal health and function. If your upper set does not precisely meet the lower set of teeth, your bite is not aligned. These specialists use custom-made appliances such as retainers, clear aligners, and braces to treat these problems. A dentist must complete a 30-month residency to become an orthodontist.
- Endodontics: Endodontists care for the dental pulp, the soft core of the teeth. They specialize in procedures such as root canals. Although general dentists can also do root canals, they may refer complex cases to an endodontist. Dentists must complete a 26-month residency to become endodontists.
- Oral and maxillofacial pathology: This branch of dentistry focuses on understanding the diseases of the mouth, teeth, and surrounding areas. They provide diagnoses for complex cases. A residency in this specialty lasts for 37 months.
- Oral and maxillofacial surgery: These surgeons treat diseases, defects, and injuries of the jaws, mouth, and face. They perform several procedures, including wisdom teeth removal. A residency in this specialty takes 54 to 72 months to complete.
- Oral and maxillofacial radiology: Specialists interpret dental imaging tests, including X-rays and C.T. (computed tomography) scans. These tests and scans can help diagnose and manage oral diseases and disorders. Dentists must complete a 30-month residency to become oral and maxillofacial radiology specialists.
What are some common treatments offered by dentists?
Oral health affects physical health because oral bacteria is often associated with heart disease, endocarditis, and premature birth. Even with regular care for teeth, it is crucial to visit a dentist near you for a routine exam at least twice a year. Your dentist may recommend treatments such as:
- Cleanings: Professional cleaning can help remove plaque and tartar missed during brushing or flossing at home. A dental hygienist usually performs cleaning using a set of tools. Sometimes, they may perform a deep cleaning or scaling to remove tartar around the gumline, which cannot be reached during routine cleaning.
- Fluoride treatments: Following the cleaning, your dentist may apply fluoride treatment to remove cavities by strengthening the enamel and making it more resilient to bacteria and acids.
- Antibiotics: To alleviate infection, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics in the form of gel, oral tablet, or capsule.
- Fillings, crowns, and sealants: The dentist may use a filling to repair a cavity, hole, or crack in the tooth. A crown fills the gap when a tooth is removed or broken off due to an injury. Dental sealants are protective coatings that help fight cavities.
- Root canal: If tooth decay reaches the nerve, a root canal helps remove and replace the nerve with a biocompatible material.
- Probiotics: Probiotics help prevent plaque, treat bad breath, and reduce inflammation resulting from gum disease. In addition to probiotic supplements, you can choose foods high in beneficial bacteria, like yogurt, kefir, and kimchi.
- Adopting good oral health habits: A dentist can recommend more effective ways to care for your teeth and gums daily, including regular brushing, flossing, mouthwash, and other tools.
When should you see a dentist near you?
Some of the common dental problems that warrant a visit to the dentist include:
- Cavities: Tooth decay is common and occurs when bacteria, food particles, or acids coat the teeth and form plaque. The acid starts to eat away at the enamel and the underlying connective tissue over time, leading to permanent damage.
- Gum disease: Gum disease results from plaque buildup on teeth due to poor brushing or flossing habits. Symptoms include swelling and bleeding of gums, which can eventually result in periodontitis.
- Periodontitis: In periodontitis, the infection spreads to the jaw and bones, causing an inflammatory response in the entire body.
- Broken or damaged teeth: Teeth that are damaged or broken can make chewing food difficult and painful.
- Sensitive teeth: Pain or discomfort in teeth when eating cold or hot food is known as dentin hypersensitivity. Sensitivity can be natural or due to a root canal, filling, gum disease, receding gums, or a cracked tooth.
- Bad breath (halitosis): Various health concerns, including cavities, dry mouth, gum disease, acid reflux, etc., can cause bad breath. Also known as halitosis, the main symptom of this condition is persistent foul-smelling breath. While mouthwash can temporarily mask the odor, you should see a dentist if you have chronic bad breath. They can determine its root cause and suggest suitable treatments.
- Temporomandibular disorders (TMD): The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is situated in front of each ear and joins the lower jaw to the skull. TMDs are a group of over 30 conditions that affect the TMJs. Common symptoms of these conditions include ear pain, jaw dysfunction, and facial pain.
- Bruxism: Bruxism occurs when you grind, clench, or gnash your teeth together without realizing it. This exerts up to hundreds of pounds of force on your jaw and teeth and can cause dental problems and other health concerns over time. Depending on its cause, bruxism is of two types: primary and secondary bruxism. Primary bruxism is unrelated to any medical condition. Its causes include factors like stress, family history of bruxism, smoking, and caffeine consumption. Secondary bruxism develops in people who have certain medical conditions (encephalitis, traumatic brain injury, etc.) or take medicines (anti-seizure medications, the antidepressants fluoxetine, and paroxetine, etc.) that may lead to teeth grinding.
- Oral cancer: Tobacco use, such as smoking or chewing tobacco, can cause cancer of the gums, tongue, cheek, and floor of the mouth.
Simple ways to keep your teeth healthy
Maintaining healthy teeth is paramount for overall well-being. Good oral hygiene prevents cavities, gum disease, and bad breath while brightening your smile. Here are some easy yet effective ways to care for your teeth:
- Brush twice daily: Do not forget to brush your teeth twice daily—once in the morning and once before bed. Nighttime brushing removes plaque and bacteria accumulated throughout the day.
- Brush properly: Use gentle, circular motions for about two minutes to clean all surfaces. Poor brushing can leave plaque, leading to gum disease. If you have gum issues, your dentist may recommend brushing longer.
- Clean your tongue: Plaque often builds up on the tongue, causing bad breath and oral health problems. Hence, brushing your tongue gently each time you brush your teeth is vital.
- Use fluoride toothpaste: Fluoride strengthens enamel and fights decay. Always choose toothpaste with fluoride, regardless of flavor or whitening claims.
- Floss daily: Flossing helps eliminate food particles and plaque between teeth. Use dental floss or interdental brushes for best results.
- Try mouthwash: A fluoride mouthwash helps prevent decay but shouldn't be used right after brushing. Use it at a different time, like after meals, and wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking.
- Drink more water: Water washes away food particles and keeps your mouth hydrated. Besides, fluoridated water is especially beneficial for strengthening teeth.
- Limit sugary and acidic foods: Sugar generally turns into acid and erodes enamel, causing cavities. Acidic food items and beverages (like citrus and coffee) also damage teeth—enjoy them in moderation.
- Quit smoking: Studies indicate that smoking can increase your risk of gum disease. According to the CDC, smoking weakens your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight gum infections. Additionally, it slows down the healing process, so if your gums are damaged, they'll take longer to recover.
- See your dentist regularly: Consider visiting your dentist regularly for dental checkups and cleanings. They can spot early issues, remove tartar, and provide personalized care.
How to find a good dentist near you in Medford, Massachusetts?
One must visit a dentist every six months for dental checkups and preventive care. Dentists check for dental decay, gum problems, and mouth cancer. They can also detect issues in other body parts because the symptoms are often visible in the mouth. They can remove the buildup of plaque and tartar, which can prevent gum disease and other oral problems.
It can take time and effort to find a good dentist. Zocdoc has always emphasized improving the patient experience in all aspects of healthcare, including dentistry. Patients and the best dentists in Medford, Massachusetts, can be matched by Zocdoc.
You can search for a dentist on Zocdoc based on your symptoms, the ideal location and time for your appointment, and your insurance plan. Zocdoc will provide you with a list of the best dentists near you. Verified reviews and ratings by patients who have used Zocdoc in the past can help you find the best dentist. You can also filter the results to find dentists who accept your insurance. You can focus your search for a dentist based on the spoken language, gender, hospital affiliations, and whether or not the dentist sees children. Each dentist's profile on Zocdoc includes information about their training, education, specialties, experience, accolades, certificates, licenses, and other credentials.
Using Zocdoc's insurance detector, you can quickly identify in-network providers near you. When booking an appointment on Zocdoc, the website prompts you to share details about your insurance or to acknowledge that you are paying out-of-pocket. Some healthcare providers need you to provide insurance information to schedule appointments. If you do not have insurance or do not want to use it for your appointment, you can always find another suitable provider on Zocdoc. For more insurance-related queries, check Zocdoc's patient help center.
With the aid of Zocdoc, one may schedule appointments in person or online. Just look for a purple button on the profile of dentists who allow video consultations. Depending on the dentist's availability, you can also schedule an appointment on the weekend, during regular office hours, before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m. On Zocdoc, booking an appointment with a dentist near you is cost-free, simple, and secure.
Statistics on dentists and dental visits in Massachusetts
As per a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics study, approximately 121,640 dentists practiced nationwide as of May 2023. The majority worked in offices of dentists (109,280), followed by offices of physicians (3,360), outpatient care centers (3,240), general medical and surgical hospitals (2,080), and employment services (760). There were roughly 2,020 dentists in Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH, as of May 2023.
Further, according to America's Health Rankings, there were 93.7 dentists and advanced practice dental therapists per 100,000 population in the state in September 2024.
In 2022, about 73.2% of adults in Massachusetts visited a dentist. Women (76.9%) were more likely to see a dentist or dental clinic than men (69.2%). Those aged 45 to 64 (76.7%) were most likely to visit a dental clinic. The percentage was lower in other age groups. About 75.1% of those 65 and above and 69% aged 18 to 44 visited a dentist in the past year.
Sources
American Dental Education Association
Crescent Heights Dental
Healthline[1]
Healthline[2]
WebMD
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
America's Health Rankings[1]
America's Health Rankings[2]
Cleveland Clinic[1]
Verywell Health[1]
Verywell Health[2]
Verywell Health[3]
Verywell Health[4]
