A dentist, also called a dental hygienist, is an oral surgeon trained in dentistry, particularly the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and maintenance of oral problems and diseases of the oral cavity. Tolley Dental of Woodstock – Woodstock dentist has some nice tips on this. The dentist’s support team, typically consisting of nurses, aids in giving oral medical care. The specific duties of a dentist include performing basic oral health maintenance activities like removing decayed teeth; educating patients about proper tooth maintenance; and directing patients on how to prevent cavities by performing routine procedures like removing plaque and deposits on teeth. A dentist also treats gum disorders and teaches patients how to maintain healthy gums. Some dentists are involved in the examination and planning of surgical treatment for the cure of oral diseases.

In the United States, dentists are required to be licensed by the state in which they practice. In addition to attending specialized schooling and passing a board exam, aspiring dentists are required to clear an examination given by the American Dental Association or the provincial College of Dental Medicine in Canada. These credentials ensure that the dentist has received special training and that he is eligible to practice dentistry. Apart from attending dental school, many dentists obtain post-graduate degrees in public health, pediatrics, pathology, and other similar fields, to enhance their ability to diagnose oral diseases.

Dentistry has gained popularity in recent years because of movies and television programs focusing on the profession. Many leading figures in Hollywood and other entertainment industries have become vocal advocates of dental care, dental hospitals, and various other aspects of the medical science of oral health. Dentists must be well versed in the field of medicine, but they should also have considerable experience in the field of dentistry. Dentists must also hold significant educational credentials and should have undergone specialized training in the field of dentistry before they can practice dentistry.