General Dentist

General Dentistry

The term “general dentist” typically refers to an oral health practitioner who has earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from an accredited dental school and whose practice is dedicated to general (rather than specialized ) care. General dentists treat patients of all ages and offer a variety of services, from preventative care (including oral exams and professional cleaning) to restorative treatments (such as dental fillings and bonding). They frequently use diagnostic equipment such as radiograph (x-ray) machines to identify problems below the surface of the tooth. Some general dentists may perform more complex procedures – for example, root canals, dental crowns and dentures – while others will refer patients to a specialist.

General dentists must pass a national board exam as well as a state (or regional) board exam after completing dental school in order to earn a license to practice. Licenses are issued by state, and are typically restricted to a single state. Dentists who wish to specialize in a particular area of dentistry usually complete additional post-graduate training.