How to choose a Dentist
 Not all dentists out there are
as good as one another. Your task as a consumer
is to find out if the dentist you choose has
the proper credentials and training, state-of-the-art
facilities and a competent, well trained staff.
Knowing that you can trust your dentist is
providing you and your family the best dental
care available, can help you feel less anxious
about your next visit. PreferredConsumer.com
will help you find the best dentist for you
and your family.
What type of training should
my dentist have?
All dentists must receive their
degree from an accredited dental school, which
is generally four years of study. Once completed,
students receive either a Doctor of
Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree or a Doctor
of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degree. These degrees are
the same, although it's more common to see
D.D.S. after a dentist's name. Dentists who
specialize must receive an additional one to
four years of training and then can become
board certified in their chosen specialty.
All dentists must be licensed in order to practice
and they must pass both a state and national
exam.
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What kind of dentist should I see?
It is recommended that you have
a family dentist who will take care of your basic
preventive needs such as cleaning your teeth
and taking X-rays. Often more specialized care
is needed. If this is the case then your dentist
will likely refer you to a specialist. It is
very common that at some point, you or a family
member may need to be evaluated by one of the
following specialists:
* Endodontists -
perform root canal therapy
* Maxillofacial Surgeons - correct
cosmetic problems of the jaw and face
* Oral Pathologists - identify
diseases of the mouth
* Orthodontists - use braces
and other means to reposition the teeth
* Pedodontists - specialize in
children's dentistry
* Periodontists - treat diseases related to bone and gum tissue
* Prosthodontics - replace missing or damaged teeth
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