A dentist is a medical professional who specializes in dentistry, prevention, and treatment of diseases that involve or concerning the Oral cavity.
(Are you in the need of a Michigan Dentist?)
Dentists are also known as dental surgeons and their roles are to diagnose and treat problems involving the oral cavity like teeth and gums.
The job outlook as projected in the year 2019 is that the overall employment will grow 3 percent over the next ten years. This is due to the demand for dental services will increase as the age of new infants increases and as research continues to link oral health with overall health profession.
They are one of the most important medical personnel that is needed by both young teens and adults.
Their equipment includes drills, mouth mirrors, X-ray machines, forceps brushes and scalpels. But sometimes they also use lasers (for whitening of teeth), digital scanner and many other computer technologies.
Their responsibilities as dentist includes the following :
i. Removal of decay from teeth and fill cavities
ii. Rebuilding cracked or fractured teeth and removal of teeth.
iii. Seating of sealants or whitening agents on teeth
iv. To administer anesthetics to keep patients from feeling pain during procedures
v. Prescribe antibiotics or other medications
vi. Examine x rays of teeth, gums, the jaw, and nearby areas in order to diagnose problems
vii. Make models and measurements for dental appliances, such as dentures, to fit patients
viii. Teach patients about diets, flossing, the use of fluoride, and other aspects of dental care.
The dental team does not only include dentists, it is also made up of the Dental assistants (they are the second most important after the Dentist), Dental technicians and sometimes Dental therapist.
Dental assistant :
Their primary roles is to typically do the following:
i. Take and record vital signs
ii. Assist with oral examinations
iii.Prepare tray set-ups for oral procedures
iv. Prepare patients and operatories for dental procedures
v. Expose digital radiographs and film, and perform x-ray processing
vi. Help dentists by transferring instruments during procedures, such as fillings, crown preparations, and tooth extractions
vii. Provide better visibility for dentists by using suction and other equipments
viii. Provide patient prevention education
and maintain accurate patient treatment records
ix.Schedule patient appointments
and work with patients on billing and payment
x. Manage infection and hazard control protocol and to Identify and respond to medical emergencies
Dental technicians:
Their roles is to manufacture dental prosthetics including bridges and crowns. They construct these devices based on impressions dentists and dental hygienists take of patients’ teeth. Dental technicians also follow dentists’ written and oral instructions. They have no direct contact with patients personally.
If you’ve been considering a career in the dental profession, you are not mistaken, it is definitely worth pursuing but if you’re not, this article must have provided more information about the dentistry profession.
