Who is a dentist?
A dentist is more than someone who fixes cavities. They are healthcare professionals specializing in diagnosing, preventing, and treating conditions of the oral cavity. They strive to ensure that their patients maintain optimal oral health.
Visiting the best dentist near you can help avail excellent dental care, prioritized patient comfort and communication, updated technological interventions, and a positive and welcoming experience.
Education and training of dentists in the United States of America
To become a dentist, an aspiring candidate must complete a similar study path to a medical doctor. They must first complete an undergraduate program in a related field, like biology, chemistry, health, or mathematics, and earn a bachelor's degree in science. A dental admissions test is the next step to reach dental school. The training process involves:
- Two years of studying biomedical science
- Two years of clinical practice
- The completion of a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) degree
- Passing written and practical exams to gain a dental license
By taking the National Board Dental Examination, dentists can become certified. Depending on their specialty, they may be required to undertake one to three years of postgraduate residency.
A dentist may specialize in one of the following fields, each requiring a postgraduate residency:
- Endodontics: It is a branch of dentistry focused on addressing conditions related to the innermost part of teeth, the dental pulp. Standard endodontic procedures include root canal therapy which aims to save infected or damaged teeth by removing the pulp and sealing the root canal to alleviate pain and restore oral health.
- Dental public health: This field involves assessing oral health needs, implementing preventive programs, and advocating for policies to promote access to dental care. It helps enhance oral health and well-being on a community and public scale.
- Oral and maxillofacial pathology: This specialized dental specialty focuses on diagnosing and studying diseases affecting the maxillofacial regions. These involve the mouth, jaws, and related facial structures. Specialists in this field examine tissue samples, conduct research, and provide insights into various oral and maxillofacial conditions, aiding in their management and treatment.
- Oral and maxillofacial surgery: It is a distinguished branch of dentistry that involves surgical procedures related to the mouth, jaws, and face. Oral surgeons perform tooth extractions, jaw realignment, facial trauma repair, dental implant placement, and more.
- Prosthodontics: It is a dental specialty focused on restoring and replacing damaged/missing teeth and oral structures. Prosthodontists design and create prosthetic devices such as bridges, dentures, and dental implants to enhance oral function, aesthetics, and the quality of life for people with complex dental needs.
- Periodontics: This specialty deals with preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum (periodontal) diseases and related structures supporting the teeth. Periodontists perform scaling, root planing, and surgical treatments to maintain healthy gums and manage various conditions.
What are the most common dental issues?
Many people are born with congenital disabilities that can cause dental concerns, leading to discomfort and pain. Often, oral health issues are acquired by some people later on in life. These may include:
- Cavities: These are some of the most common dental problems. They are caused by plaque build-up, i.e., the formation of a bacterial sticky film of food on the teeth. When not removed, plaque can harden and turn into tartar, which can cause tooth decay or caries. This decay may result in openings or holes in the teeth, called cavities. To prevent dental caries, brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and eating a balanced diet is advisable.
- Gingivitis: It is a common form of gum disease that causes inflammation of the gums. It is usually also caused by plaque or tartar formation on the teeth. Gingivitis is often the first stage of gum disease. It can worsen to become periodontitis, a more concerning form of gum disease that can damage the tissues and bones around the teeth. Gingivitis is reversible with good oral hygiene. However, if it progresses to periodontitis, treatment becomes much more challenging and may eventually lead to tooth loss.
- Periodontal disease: Plaque or tartar deposition on the teeth can also cause periodontal disease. This can happen when you don't brush and floss regularly or have gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). This disease can cause tooth loss and other health problems.
When should you go to the dentist?
Visiting the dentist is essential for the upkeep of good oral health. Most dental professionals suggest that patients visit at least twice annually for a checkup. However, there are some cases where more frequent visits may be necessary. For example, suppose you have a history of gum disease or cavities. In that case, your dentist may recommend you come in more often for treatment.
Treatments and procedures undertaken by dentists
Dentists are equipped to undertake various treatments and procedures to improve their patients' oral health. These may include teeth cleaning, fillings, fitting crowns, bridges, and implants, and performing orthodontics. In addition to these standard treatments, dentists may perform more specialized procedures such as root canals, gum surgery, and tooth extractions.
How do you keep your teeth healthy?
It is vital to keep your teeth healthy to avoid cavities, bad breath, and gum disease. You can do so by adopting the following tips:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing every day to remove any stuck food particles from between your teeth
- Visiting your dentist routinely for professional checkups and cleanings
- Eating a balanced portion of food and reducing sugary snacks and drinks
- Quitting smoking to reduce your risk of gum disease and oral cancer
Foods that stain your teeth
Some foods and drinks can lead to staining and discoloration of your teeth. Here's how some everyday items affect your smile:
- Tea: While tea is often considered a healthy beverage, it is not ideal for keeping your teeth white. Black tea, in particular, causes more staining than coffee. Herbal and white teas can also contribute to enamel erosion, leading to discoloration over time.
- Sauces: Richly colored sauces, such as soy, tomato, and curry, can stain your teeth. To minimize staining, consider using lighter-colored or creamy sauces, and be sure to brush and rinse your mouth soon after consuming them.
- Sports drinks: Sports and energy drinks are acidic and can erode tooth enamel, increasing your teeth's susceptibility to stains. Choose water during workouts to protect your enamel and prevent discoloration.
- Wine: Both red and white wines can lead to tooth staining. Red wine is known for its dark color and acidity and white wine, though less pigmented, is more acidic and can erode enamel and cause staining.
- Fruits and berries: Fruits such as blueberries, blackberries, cherries, and pomegranates can stain teeth. Juices and pies made from these fruits can have a similar effect. While lighter fruits like white grapes and white cranberries are less likely to cause stains, they still contain acids that can weaken enamel.
- Soda and carbonated drinks: Carbonated drinks, including sodas and colas, contain acids and dyes that can lead to significant staining. The chemicals used for flavoring can also damage enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to discoloration.
- Candy and sweets: Hard candies, chewing gum, and popsicles can change the color of your tongue and stain your teeth. However, occasional consumption is less likely to cause serious damage than frequent intake.
What is a dental emergency?
Dental emergencies, as defined by the American Dental Association, are a group of potentially life-threatening situations that impact the teeth and surrounding supporting structures and often necessitate immediate attention to stop an infection from spreading, control bleeding, and relieve a patient from severe pain.
If left untreated for a long time, a dental emergency can turn extremely painful and lead to biological, aesthetic, or functional complications, including progressing to deep space infections affecting the surrounding structures of the neck and facial sinuses or even airway compromise. However, it is vital to note that not all dental emergencies are life-threatening.
A dental emergency can have many diagnoses. Their evaluation and treatment can be categorized into three categories:
- Traumatic dental emergencies: Traumatic injuries, including fractures, avulsions (a tooth knocked out of the socket), and luxations (tooth dislocation), are typically sustained by the direct or indirect impact on the teeth or surrounding tissues. Falls, sports injuries, physical violence, and traffic accidents can cause mechanically mediated or traumatic dental emergencies.
- Infectious dental emergencies: Dental infections begin with cavities and are highly preventable. However, if not appropriately managed, dental conditions like pulp necrosis, periodontitis, and tooth abscesses can cause bacterial spread into the neck, facial sinuses, and brain, resulting in life-threatening infections. However, dental infections are localized and can be easily treated if detected in their early stages.
- Post-operation dental emergencies: The most prevalent post-op dental emergency seen in patients is post-extraction bleeding. Bleeding for eight to twelve hours after a dental extraction procedure is typically observed in patients with systemic diseases affecting hemostasis, congenital bleeding disorders, or those who are taking anticoagulation medications.
Should you go to the emergency room for a dental emergency?
Where you should go for a dental emergency depends heavily on the type of injury you have sustained and its severity.
Firstly, you should determine whether the problem can be treated by a general dentist or not. If you are suffering symptoms like a severe toothache, broken teeth, a knocked-out tooth, or a bitten tongue or lip that is bleeding, you should first consult a dental office that offers emergency services during non-business hours. In case you are unable to contact a dentist, you must go to the nearest emergency room.
Specific dental emergencies involving the jaw, mouth, or face require immediate attention. Some of these include- jaw fractures, severe laceration of the mouth, jaw dislocation, a severe soft tissue injury, and an abscess or infection that is very swollen or hinders normal breathing or swallowing functions. In such cases, you must either call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. An ER can offer symptomatic relief, such as medications (antibiotics or pain relievers) for your pain and swelling. ERs also have oral maxillofacial surgeons who can handle emergencies affecting the neck, face, jaw, and head. Note that an ER does not perform restorative treatments, such as fillings or crowns. Once you receive the required dental care at the ER, you will still have to see your dentist as soon as they return to their office.
How do you find the best dentist near you in Peoria, Arizona?
An extensive list of qualified dentists in Peoria, Arizona, can be found on the Zocdoc website or app once you register for free on the platform.
Joining Zocdoc is simple. To find a doctor, select the kind of specialist you need or your condition, provide your ZIP code and preferred date, and input your insurance details. Zocdoc will display a range of healthcare professionals who meet your criteria and are located in Peoria, Arizona.
Every dentist on the platform has an informative profile that shows background information, qualifications, clinic location, awards and accreditations, languages, insurance plans they accept, etc. If understanding your insurance policy seems challenging, don't worry - use Zocdoc's insurance detector for help.
If you prefer not to share your insurance information with your provider, you can still use Zocdoc to schedule an appointment. During the booking process, you will be prompted to either provide your insurance details or indicate that you will be paying out-of-pocket. Some providers may require insurance information to secure an appointment. However, if you choose not to use insurance or do not have it, you can select another provider on Zocdoc that meets your preferences. For more insurance-related questions, visit Zocdoc's patient help center.
You can finally decide on the best dentist by reading updated patient reviews. You can also sort the results by gender to see women's or men's dentists. Zocdoc also allows you to schedule video appointments before an in-person visit to get to know your dentist. For this, you must look for the purple video icon on your dentist's profile. This also makes Zocdoc the perfect platform to locate a dentist near you in challenging circumstances where a physical visit may not be possible.
All bookings on Zocdoc are simple, secure, and 100% free!
Statistics about dentists in Arizona
According to the latest data from the American Cancer Society, in 2025, the estimated number of new oral cavity and pharynx cases in Arizona was around 1,170. Moreover, the estimated number of casualties due to oral cavity and pharynx cases was nearly 260.
The oral cavity and pharynx cancer incidence rate in Arizona per 100,000 people (from 2017-2021) was approximately 9.8, and the death rate from 2018-2022 was about 2.2. In addition, the incidence rate of oral cavity and pharynx cancer in women per 100,000 from 2017 to 2021 was significantly lower (5.3) compared to men (14.8). The death rate of oral cavity and pharynx cancer per 100,000 people (from 2018-2022) was approximately 1.1 in women and 3.4 in men.
Sources
WebMD[1]
WebMD[2]
WebMD[3]
Medical News Today
Mayo Clinic
Dentally
National Institute on Aging
Cleveland Clinic[1]
Harvard School of Dental Medicine
American Dental Education Association
Cleveland Clinic[2]
Cleveland Clinic[3]
Cleveland Clinic[4]
Cancer Statistics Center
National Center for Biotechnology Information
Cleveland Clinic[5]
Cleveland Clinic[6]
Cleveland Clinic[7]
MouthHealthy
Verywell Health
