Dentists are preventative doctors par excellence, always on the alert for the earliest signs of gum disease or tooth decay. But they’re also good communicators, helping patients understand why it’s important to preserve healthy teeth and gums. Becoming a dentist is an expensive and time-consuming process. Students spend many years in school, often graduating with significant student loans. After graduation, they must pass state licensing exams that include an educational component, a written test, and a clinical examination.

Recent technical advances have brought significant improvements in patient outcomes, including new restorative materials and osseointegrated implants to replace missing teeth. However, dental professionals face unique challenges.

Educated

During this time, they learn to treat a wide range of conditions, including cavities and gum disease. They also educate patients about oral health and maintenance. They may also perform oral surgeries.

Moreover, they are trained to recognize signs of systemic diseases and infections. They are often the first health care professionals to spot nutritional deficiencies, signs of cancers and other conditions. This is because of the close relationship between oral and systemic health. In addition, they have a unique position to act against social injustices that negatively impact oral health.

Experienced

Dentists in this stage of their careers have established a client base, have a range of experience and expertise, and earn significant income. They may also become involved in professional associations and philanthropy.

They use their skills and knowledge to diagnose oral health conditions, including cavities and gum disease. They develop treatment plans that address each patient’s needs and goals.

Dentistry is often referred to as an art, and it requires mastery of techniques unique to the profession. It is also a very detail-oriented career, and the smallest misalignment can cause big problems in the mouth’s small space. The mouth is also a window to overall health, and some dental issues can indicate systemic diseases or conditions. Dental professionals encourage patients to practice preventive dental care by providing guidance on oral hygiene and scheduling regular visits for evaluation and cleaning.

Friendly

A friendly smile goes a long way toward putting patients at ease. A dental office that is friendly to its patients can help reduce the level of fear and anxiety they experience during treatment.

A dentist who is friendly will encourage parents to ask questions and make them feel comfortable about their children’s oral health. They will explain treatment options in a way that is easy to understand and answer any questions.

Kid friendly dentists will also use behavior management techniques to help their young patients feel comfortable during treatment. These may include rewarding children for their bravery, creating signals for the child to communicate with them during treatment, and using distraction techniques. These strategies will help them build trust and a positive relationship with their children.

Caring

Dentists are trained professionals who help care for your teeth and mouth. They work with a team of health care professionals that includes dental hygienists, dental assistants and dental laboratory technicians.

They are alert to the signs of problems like gum disease, which can lead to serious complications in other parts of the body. They educate patients on ways to prevent dental issues, such as brushing and flossing techniques.

During routine check-ups, dentists are also trained to look for head and neck cancers. They press around the chin and cheeks and stretch the tongue to check for abnormalities. They can also offer a range of cosmetic procedures to improve the appearance of your smile. This may include dental bonding or veneers. A well-groomed smile can help boost self-esteem and confidence.

Intuitive

Dentists are healthcare professionals specializing in diagnosing, preventing and treating oral health conditions. They use a variety of tools and techniques to keep your mouth healthy, including routine checkups, cleanings, dental x-rays and restorative treatments.

Using their deep-rooted experiences and subconscious synthesis of patterns they have observed over years of practice, expert dentists are able to make quick clinical decisions with confidence. This is known as intuition.

Intuition can also help them overcome patient anxiety or dental phobia. They can achieve this by generating a deeper understanding of the body’s responses and guiding patients towards techniques to reduce their stress levels. This is a vital part of their work. Wilmot and Ones [1] found that the personality style conscientiousness predicts occupational performance in dentistry.