Dentist
Dentists diagnose and treat oral diseases, injuries and abnormalities of jaws, teeth and gums, undertake preventive procedures, conduct surgery and perform other specialist techniques.
Dentists may perform the following tasks:
- examine patients' teeth and gums using dental equipment and X-rays
- diagnose dental conditions and plan oral health care in consultation with patients
- clean teeth and cavities and provide preventive care, such as scaling, cleaning and fluoride therapy
- repair decayed and broken teeth by rebuilding tooth structures and providing crowns and bridges
- treat diseases of the roots, gums and soft tissues of the mouth
- perform routine surgical procedures, such as extracting teeth, as well as complex operations on the jaws and soft tissues
- give local anesthetics when necessary for carrying out treatment
- design and fit dentures, crowns and bridges for the replacement of lost or unsound teeth
- refer patients to dental specialists for further treatment.
Specialisations:
Endodontist
An endodontist diagnoses and treats diseases and injuries to the soft tissues within the hollow core of the tooth.
Oral/Maxillofacial Surgeon
An oral/maxillofacial surgeon surgically treats diseases and abnormalities of the mouth and adjacent parts.
Orthodontist
An orthodontist diagnoses and treats badly aligned teeth and jaws.
Paediatric Dentist
A paediatric dentist deals with children's dental health.
Periodontist
A periodontist prevents and treats diseases of the gums and supporting tissues.
Prosthodontist
A prosthodontist restores and/or replaces teeth and their associated parts.
Public Health Dentist
A public health dentist works with the community, researching and facilitating community dental programs.
Special Needs Dentist
A special needs dentist treats patients with conditions that require special techniques to manage dental problems.
Personal Requirements:
- good hand-eye coordination
- able to do precise and detailed work
- good communication skills
- able to concentrate for long periods
- sympathetic and caring.
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