CHOOSING A DENTIST
Before you begin your online search, you may want to talk with several dentists or dental offices before making a decision. You can also contact your local district dental association for a referral. Keep in mind that you and your dentist are partners in maintaining your oral health. Take time to ask questions and take notes if that will help you remember your dentist's advice. When you visit the dental office, consider these points:
- Are the reception and waiting areas attractive and welcoming?
- Is the office staff friendly, polite and helpful?
- Did a member of the dental team take your medical and dental history?
- Did the dental team use proper "universal precautions" such as gloves and masks? Did they sterilize instruments and disinfect work areas between patients?
- Did the dentist or other dental-team member discuss preventive techniques to avoid dental problems?
- Is information provided about fees and payment plans before treatment is scheduled?
Is there a difference between a DMD and a DDS?
DMD stands for doctor of dental medicine. DDS stands for doctor of dental surgery. Some dentists have DMD degrees and others have DDS degrees depending from which dental school they graduated. The education curriculum required to attain either of these degrees is the same. Additionally, the American Dental Association, the Florida Dental Association and the Florida Statutes (The Dental Practice Act), agree that these dental degrees are identical and interchangeable.
What are the ADA-recognized dental specialties?
Endodontics
Endodontists save teeth with root-canal therapy, which involves the soft inner tissue (pulp) of the teeth. They diagnose the causes of sensitive or painful teeth and may use non-surgical and surgical techniques to treat them. They also treat teeth that have suffered traumatic injuries, like cracks, or that have been knocked out (evulsed).
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Oral and maxillofacial pathologists identify disorders that affect the mouth and facial region. They research and diagnose conditions using clinical, radiographic, microscopic, biochemical or other examinations.
Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
Oral and maxillofacial radiologists assist general dentists and other oral-health specialists in the diagnostic assessments of a range of diseases in the head and neck. Oral and maxillofacial radiologists also use enhanced imaging techniques for other diagnostic purposes, such as locating tumors, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, infectious diseases of the jaw, and in trauma cases. They also provide advice in regulatory compliance to state agencies, as well as to the dental profession, in the uses and advances in radiologic technology.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Often called oral surgeons, these specialists have a diverse role. They remove teeth, including wisdom teeth, and place dental implants. They perform surgery that involves the functional and aesthetic aspects of the facial bones, jaws and overlying soft tissues. They use intravenous sedation or general anesthesia in either a hospital or office setting.
Oral surgeons also treat injuries to the head, jaws and facial areas. They diagnose and treat oral and facial lesions, which often include cancer. They are the primary providers of orthognathic surgical procedures (aligning upper and lower jaws). They also treat temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ or TMD).
Orthodontists and Dentofacial Orthopedics
Orthodontists evaluate growth of the dentofacial structures. They diagnose malpositioned (crooked) teeth and orthognathics (improperly formed jaws). They treat these problems in children and adults by straightening teeth with braces. They work as a team with oral and maxillofacial surgeons and others to diagnose and treat orthognathic patients. They also work closely with pediatric dentists to diagnose and treat malocclusions (dental abnormalities such as an improper bite).
Pediatric Dentists
Pediatric dentists have special training in treating children. They provide care for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special needs.
Periodontal
Periodontists diagnose and treat disorders of the supporting structures of the teeth - the gingival (gums) and bony tissues. They offer non-surgical and surgical treatment and may place and maintain dental implants. They often diagnose and treat diseases of the mouth and diagnose and treat temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ or TMD).
Prosthodontists
Prosthodontists diagnose and treat patients who need crowns, bridges and partial or complete dentures. They provide diagnosis and restorative work for patients who have had dental implants placed by other surgical specialists. Some prosthodontists may place and maintain dental implants themselves.
Public Health
Public-health dentists treat dental diseases and promote dental health through government-controlled efforts in a community.
