These are the most frequently asked questions about the dental field and dentists!

FAQ’s About The Dentist

How long do dentists go to school for?

To become a dentist, one must complete and obtain a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school. According to the American Dental Association, graduating with a science degree is not mandatory, but certain courses are. In order to apply for dental school, one needs to complete predental science courses. Once applied and accepted into dental school, students working towards DDS or DMD for another four years. If dental students want to add additional specialties, schooling is based on each dental specialty.

What are other specializations dentists can pursue?

As stated before, dentists can pursue further specialization after completing dental school. The nine dental specialties include Dental Public Health, Endodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. In addition to Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics, and Prosthodontics.

What are dental assistants and hygienists?

A dental assistant is someone who directly assists the dentist and must have a variety of skills. A dental assistant’s responsibilities include assisting the dentist in procedures, dental x-rays, infection control, taking impressions, communicating with patients, and ensuring their comfortability. Dental hygienists work alongside the dentist to meet the oral needs of the patients. They assess patient’s oral health, assist with patient screening procedures, take impressions, and clean patient’s teeth. Both of these roles are essential for a dentist’s office to run properly.

How often should I go to the dentist?

The dentist is the same as any other doctor in the sense that frequent check-ups are highly recommended. In order for your dentist to know what’s going on with your oral health, they need to see you. You should see your dentist at a minimum once a year, but some recommend every six months. If you are experiencing an oral health issue, your visits could increase.

For more questions and answers about the dentist, visit Wytheville Dental Group! At Wytheville Dental, we offer a variety of services to help keep your family healthy. To schedule an appointment with one of our dentists, contact us online here or call us at (276) 228-2777 today to build healthy habits.