{"id":12186,"date":"2022-10-21T11:28:24","date_gmt":"2022-10-21T15:28:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lmshero.com\/?p=12186"},"modified":"2022-12-17T00:43:22","modified_gmt":"2022-12-17T05:43:22","slug":"is-a-dentist-a-physician","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lmshero.com\/is-a-dentist-a-physician\/","title":{"rendered":"Is a Dentist a Physician? [Read to Find Out]"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
When people say they have an appointment with a doctor (physician), they usually mean with an M.D. (Medical Doctor). However, it can also refer to dentists because a dentist is also a physician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A dentist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting gums and teeth. And their core responsibility is to conduct ocular examinations, diagnostic testing, and utilize x-rays, just as physicians do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The term “physician” refers to experts trained to study and treat the total well-being of the human body. However, most physicians specialize in a special part of the body. Hence, a dentist is technically a physician who specializes in oral health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this article, I explained who dentists are, their core responsibilities, and other relevant details about the profession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read on to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Who is a dentist?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Dentists are educated to evaluate the nerves and muscles of the head, neck, jaw, tongue, and salivary glands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They aim to discover oral anomalies suggestive of various diseases and illnesses and offer treatment options. Dentists also treat dental ailments (diseases, traumas, and deformities).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Who is a Physician?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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A physician is an educated expert who can diagnose, prevent, and cure illnesses affecting any part of the body component.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, physicians may specialize in a single organ system or subspecialize even more (by just certain surgery types, for example). Still, they retain a foundational understanding of general medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In fact, some surgeons who undertake oral and face procedures are trained as both dentists and medical specialists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What does a Dentist do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
One of the essential roles of a dentist is to promote good dental hygiene<\/strong>, which helps prevent complications in your mouth or other parts of your body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A dentist also diagnoses and treats gum, tooth, and oral disorders. Dentists undertake dental operations using cutting-edge technology and equipment such as X-ray machines, lasers, drills, brushes, scalpels, and other medical tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To prevent the transmission of germs or pathogens, they also wear protective equipment such as gloves, masks, and safety glasses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Duties of a dentist include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Educating people about dental hygiene<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Filling cavities<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Repairing or curing tooth damage<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Examining x-rays and diagnoses<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Performing anesthesia<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Installing fillings or sealants<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Examining the development of teeth and jawbones, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Dentistry necessitates a collaborative approach, with the dentist serving as the leader, working together with dental assistants, hygienists, and lab technicians. The team works together to ensure that individuals receive high-quality dental treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Branches of dentistry<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The following are some standard dental subfields:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Endodontics:<\/strong> This is the branch of dentistry concerned with the dental pulp and related nerves. Endodontists often perform a root canal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Dental public health:<\/strong> Dentists specializing in dental public health are concerned with social health policy and the well-being of an entire community. These health professionals attempt to prevent oral illnesses on a massive scale.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Oral and maxillofacial pathology:<\/strong> This oral care is provided by oral pathologists specializing in the underlying causes of particular oral disorders. To diagnose a condition, a biopsy may be performed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Oral and maxillofacial radiography:<\/strong> This is the use of x-rays and other equipment to diagnose and treat problems of the teeth and facial bones.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Pediatric dentistry:<\/strong> This dentistry branch focuses on treating children with dental problems.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Periodontics:<\/strong> Also known as periodontology, it is a discipline of dentistry concerned with preventing and treating disorders affecting the tissues and gums around the teeth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics:<\/strong> This branch of dentistry involves straightening teeth and correcting oral-related facial issues.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Oral and maxillofacial surgery:<\/strong> This field of dentistry encompasses facial surgery, extractions, and implants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Prosthodontics:<\/strong> This is a branch of dentistry in which specialists repair implants, dentures, and bridges. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Do dentists and physicians undergo the same training?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The curriculum and organization of dentistry and medical schools are comparable. Both careers demand a rigorous four-year study program beyond the bachelor’s degree. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In their first two years of study, medical and dental school students are expected to complete biological sciences and pharmacology courses. And also take lessons in ethics, law, and clinical practice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the second half of medical and dental school, students work and study directly with patients under the supervision of a doctor in their respective areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Upon graduation, graduates from dental school with either receive a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or a DMD (Doctor of Medical Dentist), depending on the institution. However, there is no difference in the required coursework or licensure to practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Furthermore, after earning their degree, dentists must pass a state-specific license exam before they can practice dentistry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, physicians will be awarded an MD, DO, or specialist degree upon completion of medical school. Many physicians complete a residency, which is sometimes mandatory but sometimes optional, and then pursue a fellowship. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This shows that physicians often have more training than dentists. This is because, if they want to specialize in a subfield, they must first study all, to know about the human body, and only then can they focus on their area of specialty. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, is a Dentist a Physician? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Yes, they are.<\/strong> Similar to how visiting your physician’s office will monitor and help you maintain your overall health, a visit to your dentist’s office monitors will support and help you maintain your oral health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are so many underlying medical issues linked to oral health. Hence, dentists are often the first to detect early symptoms of severe disorders such as diabetes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Furthermore, dentists perform surgeries and help prevent harmful health complications related to oral infections and gum disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, while some can debate whether a dentist should be called a physician, it is evident that both dentists and physicians undergo similar rigorous training and practices and are just as crucial to our health as medical doctors (physicians).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How much do dentists earn?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
According to Indeed, dentists earn an average of $184,511<\/strong> per annum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is being a dentist hard?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Yes, it is. Completing a degree in dentistry is just as difficult as becoming a physician.<\/strong> However, considering the average earnings, it is definitely worth it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can you address a dentist as Doctor?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Yes<\/strong>. Just like you would address your physician as “Dr. Smith,” you should address your dentist as “Dr. John.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion: Is a Dentist a Physician?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A dentist is basically a physician who specializes in oral health, however, the term “physician” refers to specialists trained to research and treat the overall well-being and health of the human body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dentists are skilled experts who help with tooth and mouth care, and seeing a dentist regularly can help you maintain good dental health, which can directly influence your well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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