The various dental fields of modern dentistry can make finding the right dentist tricky and the process long; it can be a lot of research, especially for those who don’t quite understand their oral health problems. To simplify the process for you, our Austin dentist is here to explain the differences between a general dentist and a cosmetic dentist.
General Dentist: Education and Services
Think of general dentistry as the baseline for all dental specialties. To become a general dentist, a person must be accepted into and graduate from an accredited dental school. Upon graduating, these students earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree or a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree. These degrees are the exact same—different schools just use different names.
After graduating, these dentists are free to begin practicing under the earned title of “general dentist.” As the primary dental healthcare providers, general dentists address oral health problems associated with dental pain and discomfort and oral hygiene.
One of the most important jobs of a general dentist is to teach patients about proper oral hygiene techniques and practices, such as brushing and flossing.
General dentists who own a private practice can choose which age range of patients they prefer but are equipped to treat patients of all ages.
Here are the types of services a general dentist provides:
- Preventive services like dental cleanings and exams, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and oral cancer screenings.
- Restorative treatments such as crowns, inlays, onlays, dental bridges, dentures, and dental implants.
- Cosmetic procedures like dental veneers and teeth whitening.
- Emergency services such as dental extractions and root canal therapy.
Most people have a general dentist that they go to for their basic oral health care needs. In circumstances where more specialized care is needed, the general dentist will refer the patient to a trusted specialist.
Cosmetic Dentist: Education and Services
The American Dental Association does not recognize cosmetic dentistry as one of the ten dental specialties quite yet. This is why most general dentists offer cosmetic services as well. However, general dentists should complete specialized training apart from dental school to improve their cosmetic dentistry skills.
To be considered a skilled and qualified cosmetic dentist, the dentist should have these qualities:
- A keen eye for detail
- A steady hand
- Several hours of continuing education hours
- Member of a professional dental association
- The latest technology
Experienced cosmetic dentists should offer more than one or two cosmetic dental treatments. They should offer enough services to completely redo a person’s smile through a total smile makeover. Here are some best of the cosmetic services to look for:
- Porcelain veneers
- Invisalign
- Teeth whitening
- Dental bonding
- Gum lifts
In addition, search for a dentist who uses modern technology like laser dentistry to ensure you’re receiving the safest and most effective dental care.
Our Cosmetic Dentist
Dr. Helen Ragsdale offers general and cosmetic dentistry services to the Austin, TX community. Using the latest technology, learned skills, and effective techniques, Dr. Ragsdale has helped thousands of patients achieve a healthy, radiant, show-stopping smile.
Don’t wait any longer to receive the dental care you need from our general and cosmetic dentist. Dr. Ragsdale is prepared to create a custom dental plan that meets your specific oral health and aesthetic needs. Call our office today at (512) 346-4690 to schedule an initial consultation.
