Dentists: Important Health Care Professional

Dentists are doctors that focus on oral health care. The initials behind their name are DDS, which stands for "doctor of dental surgery." Many individuals fail to realize just how important these professionals are for their overall wellbeing. It's not just about pretty teeth but the whole body. The oral systems are linked to many other bodily systems. Neglecting this part of wellness can end up in disastrous consequences. Here are some things to think about:

- Training: A dentist is a highly trained and well educated professional. After graduating from high school, there will be eight more years of schooling including four years of undergraduate work and another four in graduate school. Not only academic education is required but many hours of practice in a teaching clinic. In the teaching clinic, a doc-in-training will be mentored by seasoned dentists and practice to learn an array of techniques. There's a difference between reading about a technique and actually doing it.

- Different types of specializations: Many dentists choose to focus their concentration in one area. While many are geared to be family-oriented or general practitioners, others are more suited to have a specialization. Some of the specialties include cosmetic or pediatric dentistry. The cosmetic area has boomed in popularity due to the increased number of procedures available to beautify smiles as well as the emphasis in today's culture on appearance. Pediatric DDSs target babies through teens. It takes a certain type of individual to be able to meet the needs of this age set including extra sensitivity and an awareness of oral healthcare issues that show up in this time of life. Other focuses include orthodontics, endodontics and oral surgery. Orthodontists straighten crooked dental alignment with braces and other devices. Endodontics is the treatment of issues dealing with the root and surrounding structures of each tooth. Oral surgeons remove wisdom teeth and perform other dental operations. Specialists are required to attend school for longer than the general practitioner.

- Overall wellness: When dental needs are neglected, many other physical and emotional needs are being hindered as well. Physical maladies that occur when significant decay in the gums or teeth have occurred include premature birth, diabetes complications, clogged arteries, systemic infections and heart disease. Emotional difficulties arise from problematic teeth as well. Insecurity, low self esteem, decreased performance in work and overall unrecognized potential are just a few of the emotional problems that a person with rotten teeth and diseased gums may face. Pain from disease and decay can affect a person both physically and emotionally.

- Recommendations: It is recommended that individuals make checkup and cleaning appointments every six months to one year. A hygienist will clean the teeth, an assistant will take x-rays and the dentist will examine the teeth, gums and mouth. Patients should brush and floss their teeth a minimum of twice a day and adhere to a healthy diet.

Dentists are critical providers of health care. Individuals should take good care of this aspect of their wellbeing in order to remain healthy throughout their life.