Who is a dentist?
The mouth is a vital but frequently neglected part of your body that needs special attention and care to maintain optimal physical health. Maintaining oral hygiene also helps lower the risk of severe health conditions in the mouth and other body parts.
A dentist is a specialized doctor who diagnoses and treats oral health issues. They have extensive training in oral care and related areas of dental health. In the United States, dentists can hold DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) degrees. In addition to an undergraduate degree, they must complete four years of training at an accredited dental school.
What does a dentist do?
A dentist has a range of duties that revolve around promoting good oral hygiene daily. Apart from diagnosing dental issues, they treat various parts of the mouth, such as the teeth and gums. They possess several medical tools to perform dental procedures based on patient needs. Typically, dentists lead a team of professionals who manage complicated dental procedures to ensure that each patient receives appropriate treatment and care.
Some of the everyday responsibilities of a dentist include the following:
- Treating cavities
- Removing plaque build-up and decay
- Repairing or removing damaged teeth
- Filling and restoring cavities
- Educating people on proper oral hygiene
Types of dentists
If you have an oral health issue, which type of dentist should you see? Here is a quick overview of the different dental providers.
General dentists
General dentists act as primary care specialists for oral health and are among the most commonly seen dental professionals. Visit a general dentist near you for regular cleanings and routine exams. During these visits, your dentist checks your teeth and gums and performs treatments like cavity fillings, root canals, and placing dental crowns.
They will also refer you to a specialist if your treatment requires expertise beyond their scope.
Pediatric dentists
Pediatric dentists, or pedodontists, focus on dental care for children and adolescents. They treat infants through teens and provide age-appropriate dental care tailored to younger patients.
These specialists track your child's oral development and may refer them to an orthodontist.
Orthodontists
Orthodontists handle the alignment of your teeth and jaw using braces, wires, retainers, and similar devices. If you are experiencing an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or other alignment issues, your dentist might send you to an orthodontist.
Periodontists or gum specialists
Periodontists treat gum-related issues and diseases. While general dentists help prevent gum problems, periodontists step in when you need treatment for more serious gum conditions, including surgical care for damaged tissue. You might also see a periodontist for dental implants.
Endodontists or root canal specialists
Endodontists focus on problems involving nerves in the teeth and related pain. They are trained to perform root canals when decay reaches the tooth's nerve.
Oral pathologists and oral surgeons
Oral pathologists and surgeons treat diseases and conditions affecting the teeth and jaw. These can include impacted wisdom teeth, jaw misalignment, oral reconstruction, and mouth, head, or neck cancers. They are also qualified to perform surgeries and often work with ENT specialists to address sleep apnea and facial injuries.
Prosthodontists
Prosthodontists restore teeth and jaw structures. They handle cosmetic procedures like veneers and whitening and fit you with dentures, crowns, and bridges to improve function and appearance.
What are some common dental conditions?
Dental problems can affect people at any stage of their lives. However, you can prevent most dental issues by actively caring for oral health. Dentists recommend patients brush and floss daily to help prevent most dental conditions. Additionally, you should get an appointment with the best dentist near you to help them detect early signs of dental problems. The common conditions treated by dentists include the following:
- Tooth decay: Also known as cavities, they occur due to the harmful acids secreted by plaque. It builds up on teeth daily and erodes the protective enamel that holds the teeth in place. Hence, it can damage the teeth by forming small holes in its structure. It can lead to pain and discomfort. If not addressed, it may result in the loss of teeth.
- Gum disease: Clinically known as periodontal disease, it affects the gums due to plaque accumulation along the gumline. It often begins as gingivitis, causing inflammation and infection. Subsequently, it may cause deterioration in the soft tissues and the bone supporting the teeth. Some symptoms include the gums becoming red and swollen, leading to bleeding while brushing or flossing. Dentists can evaluate the condition and prescribe appropriate treatments to safeguard your teeth from additional damage.
- Tooth sensitivity: People with tooth sensitivity feel pain and discomfort during hot or cold temperatures, sweet or acidic foods, or even exposure to air. It occurs due to worn-down enamel, fractured teeth, exposed roots, and other dental conditions. Generally, it causes sharp, sudden, or prolonged discomfort. Dentists diagnose and treat tooth sensitivity by identifying the root cause. They can help alleviate tooth sensitivity with the necessary treatments.
- Dry mouth: Medically known as xerostomia, it occurs due to insufficient saliva production. Some causes of dry mouth include dehydration, medications, or other medical conditions such as diabetes. Saliva plays an essential role in oral hygiene as it prevents plaque growth. Moreover, affected individuals find speaking, swallowing, or chewing difficult due to the condition. It also increases the risk of other dental problems, such as gum disease and cavities.
- Oral cancer: Oral cancer may manifest in regions such as the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, and the roof or floor of the mouth. Most individuals fail to notice the early stages of oral cancer. Therefore, it is necessary to get regular checkups with the best dentist near you for early detection. Some common symptoms include change in voice, difficulty swallowing or speaking, lumps or thickening in oral tissues, and mouth sores. Early detection can help increase the chance of successful treatment.
What are the educational qualifications of a dentist?
A dentist's educational journey begins with obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent and passing admission examinations. The first two years of a dental school curriculum are comparable to that of medical school, with courses in anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, and pathology. In the subsequent years, these courses became more specialized and focused on diagnosing and treating oral diseases.
The combined undergraduate and dental degree duration is typically around eight years, after which dentists may pursue certification in one of the nine recognized dental specialties. Once they finish their education and training, dentists must pass national written exams to obtain a license to practice. They must also stay updated with the latest developments and skills by taking exams on the latest scientific and clinical developments throughout their careers. It is crucial in providing modern and effective oral health care.
Who comprises a dental team?
Dentists usually collaborate with a team of professionals when dealing with complex oral care procedures. The group typically consists of the following:
- Dental assistants: They assist the dentist during treatment by sterilizing instruments, preparing patients, using suction devices, taking dental impressions, and performing other tasks.
- Dental hygienists work alongside the dentist during dental procedures, focusing on preventing and treating oral diseases. Additionally, these professionals can start their practice.
- Dental technicians: They create dental appliances, such as fixed or removable devices, maxillofacial prostheses, or orthodontic devices, based on the prescription and impressions provided by the dentist.
- Dental therapists: These professionals focus on providing preventive care under the supervision of a dentist. Their services are often geared towards pediatric patients to promote good oral hygiene.
How often should you visit a dentist?
It is best to schedule routine visits with a dentist for dental exams and cleanings to ensure proper oral health maintenance. Your dentist will correctly advise you on the appropriate intervals for these visits. For most individuals, following good oral hygiene practices at home and scheduling professional cleanings every six months is enough to maintain optimal oral health. However, your dentist may recommend more frequent dental visits if you have a propensity toward cavities or gum disease. Your provider will fix the most suitable cleaning schedule for your needs.
What questions should you ask before choosing a new dentist near you?
You may have to select a new dentist for several reasons: maybe it's your first time seeking dental care, you are shifting to a new city, or your current dentist is retiring. Asking for recommendations from your friends and family and referrals from your doctor or dental provider is a good starting point. However, it would help if you choose a dentist only after feeling comfortable and satisfied during the first meeting. After all, you will form a long-term relationship with the dentist for continued oral well-being.
But how do you decide a dentist is the right fit for you? Well, by asking plenty of relevant questions during your initial consultation, such as the ones discussed below:
Questions about the dentist's background
- What are your educational and training qualifications?
- Do you hold any board certifications?
- How many years of experience do you have practicing in dentistry?
- What conditions do you specialize in?
- What is your continuing education strategy?
Questions about the dentist's office rules and regulations
- Do you accept my dental insurance?
- Do you offer bookings without dental insurance?
- How does payment work?
- What are your operating hours?
- Are you available for emergency dental care?
- What is your appointment canceling and rescheduling policy?
Questions about the dentist's approach to care
- How do you help with dental anxiety?
- How many dental checkups and cleanings do you recommend per year?
- What can I expect during the first dental consultation? What about follow-up visits?
- How can I prepare for the dental appointments?
Miscellaneous questions
- Is the dentist's office easy and quick to reach?
- What is the parking situation near the dental office?
- Is appointment scheduling easy?
- What do other patients say about the dentist in reviews and testimonials?
Finding the best dentists near you in Tempe, Arizona
If you're searching for a top-notch dentist in Tempe, Arizona, Zocdoc is the right place to look. The platform is like a search engine that identifies the best doctors in your area. Type "dentist in Tempe, Arizona" in the search bar, and Zocdoc will scan millions of entries to display the best dentists.
The search results offer multiple filters, such as specialty, location, appointment availability, zip code, and insurance plans. After narrowing down your options, you can view each dentist's detailed profile, including their education, experience, years of practice, and additional certifications. This helps you select the doctor who best suits your needs.
Stay calm if you do not have dental insurance. You can still find providers who accept new patients without asking for insurance information. Acknowledge that you will pay out-of-pocket by mentioning "I'll pay for myself" in the search bar, clicking find, and getting instant results. You will see more insurance FAQs on the Zocdoc patient help center page.
Zocdoc recognizes the significance of credibility in the medical field; that's why patients post authentic and recent reviews on the platform to help others make informed decisions. In addition to being a convenient way to search for the best dentists near you, Zocdoc is safe, accessible, and easy to use.
Dental statistics in Tempe, Arizona
As per data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Arizona had approximately 2,930 dentists and 180 dental specialists as of May 2024.
The American Dental Association also reported that 201,117 dentists actively practiced in the U.S. in 2020, equalling 61.0 dentists per 100,000 persons.
According to 2019 to 2020 estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there was an overall decrease in the percentage of adults aged 18-64 who had visited the dentist within the past 12 months. Both men and women experienced this decline, with men dropping from 61.5% to 59.6% and women dropping from 69.3% to 65.8%. This trend was seen across all races and family income levels. Furthermore, adults living in large central, large fringe, and medium and small metropolitan areas all experienced a decrease in dental visits within the past 12 months during this time frame.
Sources
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Cleveland Clinic
WebMD[1]
WebMD[2]
Maine Dental Association
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Definition Dental Studio
Cigna
American Dental Association
