Dentistry is not just the study of teeth or treatment for decay. The concept of dentistry is very narrow. Dentistry is also known as dental medicine. It is a field of medicine that focuses on the prevention, treatment and treatment of conditions and diseases that affect the mouth and its surrounding structures. The latter includes the head, face jaw, neck, tongue and salivary glands.

Dental Care is Vital

The oral cavity is not an exclusive part of the body. As it is, Priority Dentistry plays a essential role in ensuring the overall health of an individual. Certain diseases, like cancer, can manifest in the mouth , or other places. Therefore, the examination of lumps, ulcerations and discolorations of these areas is included in a comprehensive dental examination. If the issue is more serious, the patient can be referred to an additional specialist.

Dental examinations and treatments are carried out by professionals known as dentists who have completed the required medical education and passed tests that allow their profession. They are usually supported by a dental team composed of dental hygienists, dental assistants dentists, dental technicians and therapists. Aspiring dentists typically complete a bachelor's degree before entering dental school. They may have to remain longer in school dependent on the area they decide to pursue for their residency education.

There Are Nine Areas Of Particularization Within The Field Of Dentistry:

Dental Public Health.

Endodontics.

Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology

Radiology of the Maxillofacial and Oral Parts.

Oral and Maxillofacial surgery.

Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics.

Pediatric Dentistry.

Periodontics.

Prosthodontics.

Dental public health concerns controlling and preventing disease by utilizing community resources. Endodontics focuses on the diagnosis, prevention , and treatment of conditions of the dental pulp as well as nearby tissues. Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology is a specialization which deals with the diagnosis, research and treatment of conditions of the tooth and the surrounding areas.

The treatment and diagnosis of oral disorders with the help of imaging technologies like x-rays is the concern of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology while surgical treatment of diseases and injuries of the mouth and oral and maxillofacial region is the main focus of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics is the specialty that is specialized in the identification and correction of dental and facial irregularities. The dental health requirements of children, from infants to adolescents, are covered in Pediatric Dentistry while Periodontics addresses the treatment and diagnosis of gum and bone diseases. The replacement of missing teeth and restoration of natural teeth as well as other structures are the concern of Prosthodontics.

These specialties require a minimum of five to six years in order to finish their residency. The longest residency requirements are for the field Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, that can range between eight and ten years. After their education and training dentists may either earn the Doctor of Dental Medicine or Doctor of Dental Surgery degree.