Oral Care: Dentists treat a host of problems related to teeth and gums

In a survey, most people said that a nice smile is the most important first impression, the health of one?s teeth is a clear indication of his or her overall health and that they would rather be with someone who had nice teeth than bad ones.

Tooth bleaching, tooth implants, mini dental implants, smile makeovers, braces, bridges, root canals ? all these and much more are reasons why most people visit a dentist.

The increasing awareness among people today about the need to care for the health of their teeth, along with the advances in the technological fields enabling dental surgeons to perform an almost painless surgery, has made dentistry an integral part of the medical profession. Dentistry today is an advanced specialised branch of medical science. Research in dental science has led to a better understanding of oral diseases and a systematic approach to their treatment.

What do I have to do?

Dentists diagnose, prevent, and treat problems of teeth or mouth tissue. They remove decay, fill cavities, examine X-rays, place protective plastic sealants on children?s teeth, straighten teeth, and repair fractured teeth. They also perform corrective surgery on gums and supporting bones to treat gum diseases. They extract teeth and make models for dentures to replace missing teeth. They provide instructions on diet, brushing, flossing, the use of fluorides, and other aspects of dental care. They also administer anaesthetics and write prescriptions for antibiotics and other medications.

Dentists provide regular check-ups for your teeth and gums. Dentists use a variety of equipment, including X-ray machines, drills, and instruments such as mouth mirrors, probes, forceps, brushes, and scalpels. They wear masks, gloves, and safety glasses to protect themselves and their patients from infectious diseases.

Dentists in private practice oversee a variety of administrative tasks. They may employ and supervise dental hygienists, dental assistants, dental laboratory technicians, and receptionists.

Most dentists are general practitioners. Other dentists practise in any of the nine speciality areas. Orthodontists straighten teeth by applying pressure to teeth with braces or retainers. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons, operate on the mouth and jaws. The rest may specialise as paediatric dentists (dentistry for children); periodontists (treating gums and bone supporting the teeth); prosthodontists (replacing missing teeth with permanent fixtures, such as crowns, or removable fixtures, such as dentures); endodontists (performing root canal therapy); public-health dentists (promoting good dental health and preventing dental diseases within a community); oral pathologists (studying oral diseases); and oral and maxillofacial radiologists (diagnosing diseases in the head and neck through the use of imaging technologies). Cosmetic dentistry, which is like a dental facelift, is an emerging specialisation.

What should I study?

The bachelors degree in dental science (BDS) course is open to students who have completed their Plus Two or equivalent examination with physics, chemistry and biology as the m ain subjects. Admission to the dentistry course is through an entrance test conducted by the respective state governments or institutions.

BDS can be followed by a masters degree in dental science (MDS). The specialisations offered at the masters level are: oral medicine and radiology, oral surgery, periodontics, conservative dentistry, pedodontics, prosthodontics, orthodontics, and community dentistry.

What next?

Dentistry is emerging as a popular career option for many bright students due to the vast potential it offers. Excellent employment opportunities are available for dentists in dental departments in hospitals, nursing homes, dental clinics and health departments as well as teaching departments in dental colleges. Apart from this, dentists can also advise pharmaceutical and other companies producing medicines and oral care products like toothpaste, mouth wash, gum-care products, etc. Self-employment is another promising avenue. After gaining experience, one can start his/her own individual practice. Many dentists prefer to be in private practice, as it provides the best financial prospects as well as greater independence. Private practitioners work either alone, often setting up a clinic on their own premises, or in partnership with colleagues.