Who is a dentist?
Smiles are our daily companions, and an essential aspect of a captivating smile lies in our teeth. They become our signature in pictures and selfies, but only some find maintaining strong and healthy teeth easy. While brushing and flossing are crucial habits for dental health, more is needed. Regular visits to dentists, at least twice a year, are essential to enjoy the lifelong benefits of excellent oral health.
Dentists are skilled medical professionals who care for teeth, gums, and other oral tissues. They are a combination of scientists, clinicians, and scholars, dedicating their careers to setting high standards in oral health care. With their expertise, they can prevent, diagnose, manage, and treat various dental issues and conditions.
Dentists play an important role in the early detection of various conditions. They are often the first to spot signs of oral cancer and symptoms of other systemic body conditions that manifest in the mouth. By examining oral tissues' color, appearance, and texture, they can identify potential issues like diabetes or heart disease.
Dental specialists perform surgeries using advanced medical equipment such as lasers, scalpels, X-ray machines, drills, brushes, and other tools. To ensure hygiene and safety, they wear gloves, masks, and safety glasses during consultations to prevent the spread of germs or bacteria.
What does a dentist do?
The roles and responsibilities of dentists include:
- Assessing the overall dental and oral health of patients.
- Guiding in maintaining oral health and preventing diseases.
- Performing various dental procedures, such as fillings, crowns, implants, extractions, and corrective surgeries.
- Identifying, diagnosing, and treating oral conditions.
- Developing treatment plans to alleviate pain and address various oral issues.
- Analyzing X-rays, medical tests, and diagnostic reports.
- Monitoring the development of teeth and jaws to ensure proper alignment and health.
Dentists often work with other medical professionals to ensure top-notch treatment. They also lead a team of dental assistants, hygienists, and lab technicians.
What kind of education and training do dentists receive?
A dentist follows a similar educational path as a medical doctor. First, they complete an undergraduate program in subjects such as biology, chemistry, health, or math to earn a bachelor of science degree. The next step is taking the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) to apply for dental schools.
The training process involves:
- Completing two years of biomedical science studies and two years of clinical practice.
- Gaining a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) degree.
- Obtaining a dental license by passing both written and practical exams.
Dentists may also become certified by taking the National Board Dental Examination. Depending on their specialty area, they might need to complete a one- to three-year postgraduate residency.
What are the various specialties for dentists?
After completing a four-year dental school, many aspirants undergo an additional two to three years of education and training in a chosen field. These fields are called dental specializations, which focus on treating particular issues. Some of them are:
- Pedodontics: Also known as pediatric dentistry, this specialty focuses on treating children, adolescents, and teens.
- Orthodontics: This branch deals with realigning your bite and straightening your teeth. Orthodontists provide braces, clear aligners, retainers, and other custom-made appliances.
- Endodontics: Specializing in root canal therapy, endodontists handle complex cases referred to by general dentists.
- Periodontics: Periodontists detect and treat gum disease and other conditions affecting the tissues surrounding your teeth.
- Prosthodontics: Prosthodontists create natural-looking dental restorations, such as crowns, bridges, and dentures.
Is there a link between oral health and overall health?
Similar to other parts of the body, the mouth also hosts beneficial bacteria. However, as the gateway to the digestive and respiratory systems, certain bacteria in the mouth can lead to diseases if they enter the bloodstream.
The body's natural defenses and regular dental hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing, help keep these germs in check. However, it may be challenging to maintain consistent oral care at times. Due to a lack of time or energy, one might skip flossing for a few weeks or only brush once daily. During such periods, bacteria can cause oral infections like tooth decay and gum disease.
Furthermore, certain medications can decrease saliva flow. These medications may include decongestants, painkillers, diuretics, and antidepressants. Saliva helps remove food particles and neutralize bacterial acids in the mouth. Additionally, it's a protective barrier against harmful microbes that can lead to various diseases. It is crucial to discuss any medications you are taking with your dentist so they can help you find a balance and suggest alternatives to enhance your dental and overall health.
What are the most common dental issues?
Dentists encounter various dental issues daily, but some are more prevalent. Some common dental problems a dentist near you can treat are:
- Cavities: Cavities result from tooth decay. Bacteria buildup on the teeth breaks down the enamel, forming a hole in the tooth. Cavities can cause pain and lead to further damage if left untreated.
- Gum disease: Plaque on the teeth and gums often causes gum disease, which results in inflammation and infection of the gums.
- Tooth loss: Tooth loss is related to gum disease, which can be brought on by factors such as cavities or mouth trauma.
- Bad breath: Poor oral hygiene and specific medical conditions can result in bad breath, which may be embarrassing and hinder social interactions.
- Oral cancer: A severe condition affecting the mouth or throat. It is essential to diagnose oral cancer early.
By proactively addressing these common dental issues, patients can maintain optimal oral health and prevent severe complications in the future. Find qualified dentists in your vicinity today to benefit from their expertise in early detection and comprehensive oral healthcare.
How to find top-rated dentists near you in Queens, NY?
Maintaining strong and healthy teeth isn't always easy for everyone. Hence, it's necessary to find the right specialist.
Zocdoc streamlines finding top-notch and experienced dentists in your vicinity, offering a user-friendly and efficient platform. With an extensive roster of qualified dental practitioners, Zocdoc provides detailed profiles to aid in your decision-making. Getting started is a breeze—create a free Zocdoc account and specify your preferences, including specialty, location, appointment date, and insurance plan. You will receive a comprehensive list tailored to your search criteria. Moreover, Zocdoc's insurance detector ensures easy verification of your insurance plan's compatibility with the listed dental providers.
Delving into each dentist's profile, you will find their brief introduction, educational qualifications, practice location, and visit reasons. But the cherry on top is the treasure trove of patient reviews. It is like getting insider information from those who have experienced the care first-hand. This helps you know everything you need about your prospective dentist, empowering you to make an informed choice.
You can filter the results for a more tailored search based on their gender, language, whether they treat children, etc. Zocdoc also offers the convenience of booking a video appointment with dentists on the platform. So you can connect with them virtually before deciding on an in-person visit. Discover the top tooth doctors near you with Zocdoc.
If you need help finding dentists who accept your insurance, our online patient help center is available. On Zocdoc, you can link your medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to your account, though each appointment can only utilize one insurance plan.
You can include your secondary insurance details in the appointment notes for those with multiple insurance plans. Additionally, if your provider uses Zocdoc's Intake forms, you can quickly enter your secondary insurance information.
Booking appointments with dentists near you on Zocdoc is simple, secure, and free!
Dental statistics for the New York
As of May 2023, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that approximately 121,640 general dentists worked nationwide. New York was one of the top five states with the highest number of dental professionals, boasting 6,890 dentists. The New York-Newark-Jersey City region stood second in metropolitan areas, employing nearly 7,950 dentists.
In 2023, the New York State Department of Education (NYSDE) issued 771 licenses to dentists, showing an increase from the 683 licenses given the previous year. As of January 2024, New York had 14,751 active dentists. Among the counties in the state, New York County had the highest number of dentists, with 2,594 practitioners. Following were Nassau County, with 2,109 dentists, and Queens County, with 1,578 dental professionals.
Sources
WebMD
Cleveland Clinic
Mayo Clinic
New York State Education Department
U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics
