There are many types of dentists in the world, and if you are an aspiring dental school student, you may be wondering what type of career to pursue.  Which type of dental practice best fits your personality?  The following article will talk about different types of dentists – what can you expect if you decide to become a general family dentist , an orthodontist, a pediatric dentist, or even a cosmetic dentist?  Different areas of dentistry require different skills and knowledge levels.  With that said, what suits you? What is the best area of focus for your personality type?

A general dentist, or family dentist, is much like a general practitioner in the medical field.  This dentist works with patients of both sexes, and of any age.  General dentists will perform typical teeth cleanings, tooth fillings, and take x-rays.  This type of dentist is not considered a “specialist,” and rather, has a fairly large range of functions – which can also sometimes include emergency dentist!

An orthodontist is a specialized dentist who works with treating and preventing facial irregularities – including crooked teeth, overbites, and jaw alignment issues.  Treatments involve the design and use of appliances such as retainers, gates, and orthodontic braces.  An orthodontic dentist is considered a specialist in the world of dentistry, and is most commonly attributed to installing and maintaining dental braces.

A pediatric dentist, or children’s dentist, focuses on the treatment of kids. Their specialized office settings and procedures help children feel more comfortable when receiving dental exams.  Pediatric dentists are much like general dentists, only they work on children only.  They clean teeth, offer routine checkups, and assists in the prevention of dental caries and periodontal disease.  Pediatric dentistry is certainly a profession that requires you to enjoy being around kids; after all, you are a kids dentist!

Cosmetic dentists are another very specialized type.  They deal primarily with enhancing the physical appearance of the mouth, teeth, gums, and jaw line.  Procedures performed by these dentists typically include teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, dental implants, bonding, bridges, and dentures.  A cosmetic dentist will sometimes also specialize in tooth shaping and accelerated orthodontic procedures – where patients only need to wear braces for a few months, rather than years.  Many of these procedures are not necessary, and not covered by dental insurance. Cosmetic dentistry, as an industry, typically deals with a more affluent clientele.

Other types of dentists include oral surgeons, whom typically work with wisdom teeth and mouth deformities, and Periodontists, who treat conditions such as gum disorders, gingivitis, tooth decay and plaque.  When choosing the right career path, it is important to do your research and look at the pros and cons of each opportunity.  Salary levels can vary greatly based on the type of dentistry you take up, and your career path can also affect your work hours and schooling – some specialized dentists have higher educational requirements than general dentists or family dentists.  Do your research and figure out which type of dentistry is right for you before taking the plunge in to dental school.