Chapter 12: Dentistry

Question 1

American Dental Association (ADA)

Answer 1

A professional organization that represents dentists nationwide and seeks to address the most important professional and public health issues.

Question 2

Dental assistant

Answer 2

A professional who assists dentists by performing a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties.

Question 3

Dental ceramist

Answer 3

A technician who makes porcelain and acrylic restorations.

Question 4

Dental hygienist

Answer 4

A professional who cleans teeth, provides other preventative dental care, and teaches patients how to practice good oral hygiene.

Question 5

Dental laboratory technician

Answer 5

A specialist who creates dental appliances according to a dentist’s prescription. Dental laboratory technicians who create porcelain and acrylic restorations are often called dental ceramicists.

Question 6

Dental public health specialist

Answer 6

A dentist who promotes good dental health and disease prevention within the community.

Question 7

Dentist

Answer 7

A trained practitioner who diagnoses and treats problems with teeth and tissues in the mouth, along with giving advice and administering care to help prevent future problems. Must graduate from an accredited dental school and pass the written and practical examinations.

Question 8

Endodontist

Answer 8

A dentist who performs root-canal surgery and therapy.

Question 9

Oral and maxillofacial surgeon

Answer 9

A dentist who operates on mouths, jaws, teeth, gums, neck, and head.

Question 10

Oral pathologist

Answer 10

A dentist who diagnoses diseases of the mouth.

Question 11

Orthodontist

Answer 11

The largest group of dental specialists, who work to straighten teeth.

Question 12

Pediatric dentist

Answer 12

A dentist whose work focuses on children and special-needs patients.

Question 13

Periodontist

Answer 13

Specializes in treating the gums.

Question 14

Pit and fissure sealants

Answer 14

Sealants applied to the tooth to fill pits and fissures and provide a physical barrier on the tooth surface.

Question 15

Prosthodontist

Answer 15

A dentist who replaces missing teeth with permanent fixtures, such as crowns and bridges, or with removable fixtures such as dentures.

Question 16

oral and maxillofacial radiologists

Answer 16

diagnosing disease in the head and neck through the use of imaging technologies

Question 17

dental public health specialists

Answer 17

promoting good dental health and preventing dental diseases within the community

Question 18

What are the subspecialties in dentistry?

Answer 18

Orthodontists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, pediatric dentists, periodontists, prosthodontists, endodontists, oral pathologists, oral and maxillofacial radiologists, and dental public health specialists.

Question 19

What is the education level for dental hygienists?

Answer 19

degree from an accredited hygiene school (just need a high school diploma to get into the program) and a state license

Question 20

What is the expected job growth/employment trend for dental hygienists?

Answer 20

Expected to grow much faster than average occupations, job prospects are expected to be favorable in most areas, but vary by geographical location.

Question 21

What is the education level for dental assistants?

Answer 21

Many learn their skills on the job, although an increasing number are trained in dental-assisting programs, most programs take one year or less to complete.