Oral health care providers are professionals who offer services to maintain and improve their patients’ oral health. Although all oral health care providers share a commitment to providing quality dental support, they may specialize in different areas.
Like in the medical practice, dental care professionals may choose to specialize in a particular field of dentistry. By understanding the different roles these professionals play, patients can better select the care they need.
To give you a closer look at oral health care providers, here is a breakdown of the different types.
Dental Assistant
A dental assistant is a professional who helps the oral health care specialist provide care to patients. They perform basic tasks such as preparing patients for treatment, taking x-rays, and sterilizing dental tools.
Dental assistants typically work as administrative support in a dental office. They may also be responsible for ordering supplies, scheduling appointments, and managing patient files.
Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists help maintain patients’ oral health by providing preventive measures and cleaning services. They typically offer advice on improving oral health and provide tutorials on brushing and flossing correctly.
These professionals give sessions that are called prophylaxis, during which they perform dental scaling and polishing. Dental hygienists may also remove oral plaque and stains using lasers and ultrasonic tools.
Dentist
The most common type of oral health care provider is the dentist. Dentists are responsible for diagnosing and treating oral health problems. They may also provide preventive care, such as cleanings, to help patients maintain healthy mouths and gums.
Dentists typically work in private practice, although they may also work in hospitals or other healthcare facilities. They often collaborate with dental hygienists and dental assistants to provide care to their patients.
Emergency Dentists
Emergency dentists are professionals who offer care to patients who experience dental emergencies. These can include injuries to the mouth, teeth, gums, toothaches, and other oral pain.
Emergency dentists typically work outside of regular business hours. Patients can normally find these professionals through referral services or by searching for local dental clinics that offer emergency care.
Endodontists
Endodontists focus on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries that affect the dental pulp. It includes tooth decay, cracked teeth, and gum disease.
Endodontists often perform root canal therapy, a procedure used to treat infections and save teeth that are in danger of being lost. By treating these conditions early, endodontists can help patients maintain their oral health and avoid more serious problems down the road.
Oral Surgeons
Oral surgeons are specialists who perform invasive treatments on the mouth and jaw. These treatments can include biopsies, removals of tumors or cysts, and wisdom teeth extractions.
Oral surgeons often work with other dental professionals to provide comprehensive care to their patients. They may also perform cosmetic procedures, such as liposuction of the chin and neck.
Orthodontists
Orthodontists focus on correcting teeth’ alignment. They use braces and other corrective devices to help patients achieve straighter teeth. These professionals typically work with children and adolescents, but they may also see adults who need treatment for various dental problems.
Orthodontists receive extensive training in diagnosing and treating dental problems. They typically have a dental degree as well as a degree in orthodontics.
Pediatric Dentists
Pediatric dentists are specialists who focus on the oral health of children. They are equipped to handle the unique dental needs of infants, toddlers, and adolescents.
Pediatric dentists undergo extensive training in pediatric dentistry. It allows them to provide a wide range of services, including preventive care, restorative care, and cosmetic dentistry.
One of the most important roles of pediatric dentists is to educate children about good oral hygiene habits. They help young patients learn how to brush and floss their teeth correctly and teach them about the importance of healthy diets.
Pediatric dentists play a key role in helping children maintain healthy oral health into adulthood. Providing early intervention and treatment can help prevent future dental problems.
Periodontists
Periodontists are important members of a patient’s oral health care team. They specialize in the care of the gums and supporting tissues of the teeth. It includes procedures such as gum surgery and root planing.
Maintaining healthy gums is essential for preserving a healthy smile. Periodontists can help patients achieve this by providing treatment for any gum-related problems. This treatment can help prevent more serious dental problems from developing in the future.
If you are experiencing any issues with your gums, it is important to see a periodontist for treatment. They can help you get your smile back on track and maintain your oral health for years to come.
There are many types of oral health care providers, each with their area of expertise. By understanding the roles and responsibilities of these professionals, patients can make more informed decisions about their oral health care.
