While all dentists go through rigorous training to become qualified, that simply ensures that each is capable of a minimum level of care. Since the dental field is a rapidly evolving one, some dentists keep up with advances, while others may continue to use practices no longer promoted by experts.
Try to avoid choosing a dentist based on his or her personality. While avoiding hostile, rude, or unprofessional dentists is essential, siding with a practitioner simply because they have a great personality can be equally harmful. Find a dentist with a professional attitude, but becoming good friends is not a requirement for good oral health treatment. Good dentists take a personal interest in patients and their health.
Dental Degrees and Accreditation:
Below is a short guide to the most common dental degree and accreditation acronyms. These abbreviations can often be found listed after a dentist's name.
General Dentist, DDS and DMD
These degrees DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) are awarded upon graduation from dental school. While the DDS degree is more common, the education received by a DMD is the same.
To obtain their DDS or DMD degree dentists must complete three or more years of undergraduate education in addition to four years of dental school. To become licensed to practice in their state, they must also pass an examination after graduating. State licensing boards consider these degrees, DMD and DDS, equivalent.
Other Degrees
MDS Master of Dental Surgery
MS or M.Sc. Master of Science
MSD Master of Science in Dentistry
Dental Specialties (Eight):
1. Dental public health: Prevention and control of dental disease and promotion of community dental health
2. Endodontics: Prevention and treatment of diseases of the root pulp and related structures (root canal therapy)
3. Oral and maxillofacial pathology: Diagnosis of tumors, other diseases, and injuries of the head and neck
4. Oral and maxillofacial surgery: Tooth extractions; surgical treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects of the mouth, jaw, and face
5. Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics: Diagnosis and correction of tooth irregularities and facial deformities
6. Pediatric dentistry: Dental care of infants and children
7. Periodontics: Treatment of diseases of the gums and related structures
8. Prosthodontics: Treatment of oral dysfunction through the use of prosthetic devices such as crowns, bridges, and dentures
What To Ask On Your First Visit:
How long the practice has been in operation? A long running practice suggests patients are happy to return and that the dentist holds experience.
What Dental Societies does the Dentist belong? Many organizations request that their members attend meetings and stay up-to-date in order to retain membership.
Dental Training? Inquire about the dentist's clinical experience and training with any of the procedures you may require.
Is emergency care is provided on weekends or after hours? Find out if your dentist works as an emergency dentist. Do they have evening hours and are they available on weekends? You do not want to learn that the office is closed when you develop that toothache.
Does he/she use loupes (glasses which have magnification lenses attached) during restorative work? Magnification catches errors beyond the capabilities of the unaided eye.
How To Judge A Dentist's Skills After You Have Received Treatment:
How does your bite feel?
Is any of the dental work irritating your gum?
Does the treated tooth look like a tooth?
Does dental floss or your tongue catch on the tooth?
Did the dentist take time to polish your fillings?
Do you feel pain when drinking hot or cold liquids?
Was any debris left in your mouth after treatment?
Does the dentist use a water spray to cool your teeth while drilling?
Fees and Payment Plans
Know if the office accepts your dental insurance and how much your out-of-pocket expense may be. Be cautious about dentists who recommend elaborate treatment plans.
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