You’re out of undergrad and have decided that dentistry is your future. The next step is to select a dental school. Choosing the right dental school can be a vital factor in determining the course of your career. Your dental school will require a serious time and financial commitment, so you want to be sure you are giving yourself the best opportunity possible. Here are some things to consider when choosing a dental school.

Not all dental programs are alike. Are you interested in community care? General practice? Teaching? Research? Each dental program may have a different focus, and you need to know if the focus of the school you are considering fits in with the kind of dentistry you want to practice. Some schools practice a traditional classroom instruction model, while others are organized according to a more broad problem solving pedagogy. You will need to decide which approach offers the best opportunities for learning for you.

You will need to make a decision based on the physical location of the school. Are you looking for something close to home, or are you willing to go far away to study dentistry? Are you prepared to take on the financial burden of not only tuition, but of living expenses in your new location if you choose to go away to school? Do you find the school aesthetically pleasing? This may seem a minor concern, but you will be spending a considerable period at the school that you choose, and at times you may be under intense pressure. Having the right environment may be the difference between graduating on time at the top of your class and a much less appealing alternative.

You should consider what kind of facilities the school has. If you are interested in lots of hands on research, obviously a state of the art laboratory will be desirable. If you are more interested in patient care, a school with access to a large hospital or community service center may be better for you.

You also need to think about the reputation of the school versus the likelihood of your being accepted. You can easily find out the percentage of applicants accepted and their average GPA and test scores for any of the top schools. You obviously want a school with a great reputation, but if it is not a school that is likely to accept you or if you would have too much difficulty meeting the requirements if you are accepted, this can be an unnecessary waste of time and money.

If you can, you should meet with the faculty and students at the programs you are most interested in. Talking with people already involved in the program will give you the best feeling for whether or not it is the right program for you to pursue your dental education.

Choosing a dental school is the first of many decisions that will start you on a path towards a career in dentistry. If you take the time to make an informed, intelligent decision here, the choices that follow will be that much easier for you.

Craig Berger
http://www.articlesbase.com/college-and-university-articles/how-to-find-the-best-dental-school-for-you-87783.html

The “Hollywood Smile”

The “Hollywood Smile” is a media ideal dating back to the early 1900’s. Teeth were in such disrepair that people would not smile for photographs. The only smiles seen were created in published media as cartoons. Artists depicted teeth as solid white areas with the upper and lower teeth separated by a curved line following the lower lip. The curved line created an image of the front teeth being the longest and every tooth gets shorter all the way to the corners of the mouth.

Today, the “Hollywood Smile” is an improved media ideal. The lips are filled with very white teeth that block out darkness in the back of the mouth. Incising edges of top teeth follow the line of the lower lip coming within a millimeter of contact. Two front teeth are most prominent with adjacent teeth appearing sequentially smaller from the front teeth to the corners of the mouth creating perspective. Ideally, each tooth looks one sixteenth smaller than the adjacent tooth in front of it. There is symmetry of tooth color, shape and position right side to left side of the midline.

A masculine smile has square teeth. Incising edges of top teeth follows a straighter line. A feminine smile has rounded teeth. Incising edges of top teeth follows the lower lip line closer creating more curvature.

The Natural Smile

Natural smiles are seen everyday. Teeth fill the space between the lips and block out darkness in the back of the mouth. They are shades that blend with skin tones. Incising edges of top teeth follow the line of the lower lip, however, the two lateral incisors adjacent to the front teeth are shorter. The eyeteeth appear longer. Two front teeth are most prominent with adjacent teeth appearing sequentially smaller from the front teeth to the corners of the mouth creating perspective. Ideally, each tooth looks one sixteenth smaller than the adjacent tooth in front of it. There is symmetry of tooth color, shape and position right side to left side of the midline, however variation creates a natural appearance. Development and aging of teeth alters these relationships.

Natural smiles often have rotated, tilted, crowded, or spaced teeth. There is wear of outer and biting surfaces, gum recession and root exposure, chips, cracks or cavities. The four front incisors are the same color, the eyeteeth darker and the bicuspids and molars slightly lighter. Each tooth has great color variation over its surface. Teeth have a relatively translucent enamel shell with yellow dentin under it. As enamel thins and shows through yellow dentin, the tooth looks more yellow as occurs in the third of the tooth closest to the gums. Areas where dentin is not behind enamel as occurs between teeth and along the biting edge, appear dark gray because the translucent enamel allows darkness of the back of the mouth to show through.

The back of the mouth is a dark space as no light enters. Incorrect tooth position, tooth loss, malformed teeth, and loss of tooth structure from trauma or cavities create spaces that show the darkness of the back of the mouth.

Perception Esthetics

Perception esthetics recognizes that various smile designs and tooth defects are used to produce natural-looking smiles, and that a dentist’s perception of a patient results in a final smile design that fits the individual. Defining patient esthetic values and appreciation levels is essential to patient satisfaction.Without proper assessment, final smile design becomes the artistic interpretation of the dentist, which may or may not be acceptable to the patient. A dentist who does not understand perception esthetics produces the same smile for every patient, within the bounds of physical or financial limitations. The perfect smile, based on the “Golden Rule” of esthetic dentistry can be ideal for a 20-year-old patient but not ideal for an older patient. Table 1 lists the types of imperfections that need to be evaluated to ensure patient satisfaction.

Restoration goals must be balanced with limitations of ideals and limitations of treatment. Limitations of ideals include general traits (cultural, physical, and personality limitations), detailed inspection, and visual perception. Limitations of treatment include patient and dentist limitations. Patient limitations include physical, psychological, and financial limitations. Dentist limitations include artistic, perceptive, and technical ability (i.e., material and laboratory limitations).”

Tooth and Smile Defects

Tooth defects that affect smile esthetics include color, shape and position. Correctionsof unacceptable defects improve smiles. Inclusion of acceptable defects creates a natural smile. Aesthetics is an art and consequently, beauty is a personal preference and defining a patient’s preferences is critical.

Treatment

Treatment goals must be realistic based on limitations of ideals and limitations of treatment. Perception Aesthetics is a concept I published in the Journal of Esthetic Dentistry in the 1990’s. Perception Aesthetics review all factors that define realistic expectations for treatment goals.

Aesthetic Recontouring

Aesthetic recontouring is the process of selectively remodeling teeth to affect their shape, position, length, and contours. Youthful, feminine smiles are typically characterized by rounded edges. In a more masculine smile or one characteristic of an older individual, flat worn surfaces are more prominent. Significant generalized changes are possible when treating front teeth visible in the patient’s smile. Ideally, recontouring is confined to enamel and results in teeth of proper proportion. Significant changes are possible when treating front teeth visible in the patient’s smile.

Teeth Whitening

Bleaching lightens teeth by removing stain caught in microscopic holes within enamel. The active ingredient in most of the whitening agents iscarbamide peroxide, also known as urea peroxide; when water contacts this white crystal, the release of hydrogen peroxide lightens the teeth. Bleaching is successful in at least 90 percent of patients, though it may not be an option for everyone. Consider tooth bleaching if your teeth are darkened from age, coffee, tea or smoking. Teeth darkened with the color of yellow, brown or orange respond better to lightening. Other types of gray stains caused by fluorosis, smoking or tetracycline are lightened, but results are not as dramatic. Every case is different. Typically, there is a multiple-shade improvement as seen on a dentist’s shade guide. If you have very sensitive teeth, or teeth with worn enamel, your dentist may discourage bleaching. Existing restorations such as crowns and fillings do not change color.

The dentist or hygienist will make impressions of your teeth to fabricate a bleaching appliance for you. The appliance is custom made for your mouth. Along with the appliance, you’ll receive the bleaching materials and you’ll be given instructions on how to wear the appliance. Some bleaching systems recommend bleaching your teeth from one to four hours a day. Generally this type of system requires three to six weeks to complete. Other systems recommend bleaching at night while you sleep. This type of system usually requires only 10-14 days to complete.

Lightness should last from one to five years, depending on your personal habits such as smoking and drinking coffee and tea. At this point you may choose to get a touch up. This procedure may not be as costly because you can probably still use the same appliance.

The retreatment time also is much shorter than the original treatment time. Several studies, during the past ten years, have proven bleaching to be safe and effective. The American Dental Association has granted its seal of approval to some tooth bleaching products. Some patients may experience slight gum irritation or tooth sensitivity, which will resolve when the treatment ends.

Composite Fillings - Front Teeth

A composite resin is a tooth-colored plastic mixture filled with glass. Composites are not only used to restore decayed areas, but are also used for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth.

In order to bond a filling material to your tooth, it is first necessary to remove decay, prepare the tooth and then to condition the enamel and dentin. Once conditioned, a thin resin is applied which bonds to the etched surface. The bond strength of these fillings is incredible.

Following preparation, the dentist places the composite in layers, using a light specialized to harden each layer. When the process is finished, the dentist will shape the composite to fit the tooth. The dentist then polishes the composite to prevent staining and early wear. Bonding increases the strength of these restorations far beyond those of only a short time ago.

Composites bond to the tooth to support the remaining tooth structure, which helps to prevent breakage and insulate the tooth from excessive temperature changes. After receiving a composite, a patient may experience post-operative sensitivity.Also, the shade of the composite can change slightly if the patient drinks tea, coffee or other staining foods. The dentist can put a clear plastic coating over the composite to prevent the color from changing if a patient is particularly concerned about tooth color.

Composites tend to wear out in larger cavities, although they hold up well in small cavities. After placement, you may chew right away. The light instantly hardens these fillings. Your teeth may experience some degree of temperature sensitivity for a few days to a week. If it does not disappear within that period of time, contact your dentist.

These light cured composites are extremely cosmetic and most often bonded into place in one appointment. They are often referred to as “bonding.” Studies have shown that composites last 7-10 years.

In the past, teeth were most commonly repaired with silicate or acrylic restorations. Thanks to advances in modern dental materials and techniques, teeth can be restored with a more aesthetic and natural appearance. There are different types of cosmetic fillings currently available. The type used will depend on the location of the tooth and the amount of tooth structure that needs to be repaired.

White Composites - Back Teeth

A composite resin is a tooth-colored plastic mixture filled with glass. In the past, dental composites were confined to the front teeth because they were not strong enough to withstand the pressure and wear generated by the back teeth.

Following preparation, the dentist places the composite in layers, using a light specialized to harden each layer. When the process is finished, the dentist will shape the composite to fit the tooth. The dentist then polishes the composite to prevent staining and early wear. It takes the dentist about 10-20 minutes longer to place a composite than a silver filling. Placement time depends on the size and location of the cavity and the larger the size, the longer it will take.

The average cost of posterior composites is about one-and-a-half to two times the price of a silver filling. Most dental insurance plans cover the cost of the composite up to the price of a silver filling, with the patient paying the difference. As composites continue to improve, insurance companies are more likely to increase their coverage of composites.

Esthetics are one of the main advantages, since dentists can blend shades to create a color nearly identical to that of the actual tooth. Composites bond to the tooth to support the remaining tooth structure, which helps to prevent breakage, minimize leakage and insulate the tooth from excessive temperature changes.

After receiving a composite, a patient may experience post-operative sensitivity. Also, the shade of the composite can change slightly if the patient drinks tea, coffee or other staining foods. Composites tend to wear out sooner than silver fillings in larger cavities, although they hold up as well in small cavities. Studies have shown that composites last 7-10 years, which is comparable to silver fillings except in very large restorations, where silver fillings last longer than composites.

In the past, teeth were most commonly repaired with amalgam (silver) fillings or gold restorations. Thanks to advances in modern dental materials and techniques, teeth can be restored with a more aesthetic and natural appearance. There are different types of cosmetic fillings currently available. The type used will depend on the location of the tooth and the amount of tooth structure that needs to be repaired.

The other type of “white fillings” are called Composite or Porcelain Inlays and Onlays. These fillings are usually placed in back teeth when esthetics is of utmost concern. In order to increase their strength and longevity, they are fabricated in the laboratory and then bonded into position in the office. This is a two visit procedure rather than the one visit required to place a direct composite filling. However, when it comes to strength and cosmetics, the extra time and expense is well worth it! I hope that you now understand a little bit more about white fillings.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin shells of ceramic material, which are bonded to the front of teeth. They can be the ideal choice for improving the appearance of the front teeth. Porcelain veneers are placed to mask discolorations, to close spaces, to brighten teeth, to straighten teeth, and to repair broken tooth structure. Highly resistant to permanent staining from coffee, tea, or even cigarette smoking, the wafer-thin porcelain veneers can achieve a tenacious bond to the tooth, resulting in an esthetically pleasing naturalness that is unsurpassed by other restorative options.

Porcelain veneers are an excellent alternative to crowns or fillings in many situations. They provide a conservative approach to changing a tooth’s color, size, shape or position. Porcelain veneers can mask undesirable defects, such as teeth stained by tetracycline, by an injury, or as a result of a root canal procedure, and are ideal for masking discolored fillings in front teeth. Patients with gaps between their front teeth or teeth that are chipped or worn may consider porcelain veneers. Generally, veneers will last for many years, and the technique has shown remarkable longevity when properly performed.

Patients may need several appointments for the entire procedure including diagnosis and treatment planning, preparation, and bonding. It’s critical that you take an active role in the smile design. Spend time in the decision-making and planning of the smile. Understand the corrective limitations of the procedure to correct tooth defects, color or position.

The preparation appointment will take from one to several hours. To prepare the teeth for the porcelain veneers, the teeth are lightly reduced to allow for the small added thickness of the veneer. Usually, about a half a millimeter of the tooth is removed, which may require a local anesthetic. At this appointment, a mold is taken of the teeth, which is sent to the laboratory for the fabrication of the veneers. This can take about one to three weeks. If the teeth are too unsightly a temporary veneer can be placed, at an additional cost.

Bonding of veneers will take about one or two hours. First, the dentist places the veneers with water or glycerine on the teeth to check their fit and get a sense of the shade or color.While the veneers are resting on your teeth, view the esthetic results, and pay particular attention to the color.At this point, the color of the veneers can still be adjusted with the shade of the cement to be used. The color cannot be altered after veneers are cemented. To apply the veneer, the tooth is cleansed with specific chemicals to achieve a bond. Once a special cement is sandwiched between the veneer and tooth, a visible light beam initiates the release of a catalyst to harden the cement.

All porcelain restorations are called veneers when they cover only the front of teeth. They are crowns when they cover all surfaces of teeth. Restorations are three quarter crowns when they do not cover the surface of teeth toward the tongue. It is often difficult to distinguish one type of restoration from another and therefore, it is easier to call them bonded porcelain restorations.

Crowns - Front and Back Teeth

Crowns are used to support a tooth when there isn’t enough of the tooth remaining, protect weak teeth from fracturing, restore fractured teeth, or cover badly shaped or discolored teeth. A crown is a restoration that covers a tooth like a thimble to restore it to its normal shape and size while improving strength and appearance of a tooth. Crowns are necessary when a tooth is generally broken down and fillings won’t solve the problem. If a tooth is cracked, a crown holds the tooth together to seal the cracks so the damage doesn’t get worse.

To prepare the tooth for a crown, it is reduced so the crown can fit over it. An impression of teeth and gums is made and sent to the lab for the crown fabrication. A temporary crown is fitted over the tooth until the permanent crown is made. On the next visit, the dentist removes the temporary crown and cements the permanent crown onto the tooth.

Crowns require more tooth structure removal, hence, they cover more of the tooth than veneers. Crowns are customarily indicated for teeth that have sustained significant loss of structure. Crowns are made from various materials including plastics, porcelains and metals or combinations of these.

The dentist’s main goal is to create crowns that look like natural teeth. To achieve a certain look, a number of factors are considered, such as the color, bite, shape, and length of your natural teeth. When the procedure is complete, your teeth will not only be stronger, but they may be more attractive.

Crowns should last approximately 12 years. However, with good oral hygiene and supervision most crowns will last for a much longer period of time. Some damaging habits like grinding your teeth, chewing ice, or fingernail biting may cause this period of time to decrease significantly.

To prevent damaging or fracturing the crowns, avoid chewing hard foods, ice or other hard objects. You also want to avoid teeth grinding. Besides visiting your dentist and brushing twice a day, cleaning between your teeth is vital with crowns. Floss is important to remove plaque from the crown area where the gum meets the tooth. Plaque in that area can cause dental decay and gum disease.

Replacing Missing Teeth

Fixed Bridges and Implants

A fixed bridge replaces missing teeth. Teeth on either side of the space are prepared for crowns. Crowns are joined together so crowns on either side can support the missing teeth in the middle.

Implants, usually made of titanium metal similar to that used in pins to join fractured bones, are permanent replacements for missing teeth. Part of the implant acts as the root of a tooth and supports a section that extends above the gums. Replacement teeth may be permanently fixed to the sections above the gums, like fixed bridges, or can be removable similar to overdentures.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures replace missing teeth supported by gums and remaining teeth. Removable partial dentures usually consist of replacement teeth attached to pink or gum-colored resin bases, which are connected by a metal framework. Removable partial dentures attach to your natural teeth with rests, guide planes and metal clasps. The metal clasps often shows when smiling. A denture helps you to properly chew food, improve speech and prevent a sagging face by providing support for lips and cheeks.A full denture is held in by suction so function is compromised.

An overdenture is a denture that uses precision dental attachments to hold the denture down. The overdenture attachment can be placed in tooth roots that have been saved, or placed onto dental implants that have been placed to receive them. When proper smile design principals are applied to dentures, they can look very natural. Indeed, most denture patients want more imperfections in their denture teeth so they look more natural.

Full Dentures

There is a substantial difference between full dentures and your own teeth since it is only suction which holds a full denture in place.

Dentures may move or come loose when the tongue, lips, cheeks and muscles push against it. Good impressions provide an accurate fit and seal around the edges. Retention and stabilization can be aided by the shape of bone and firmness of gums which make it more difficult to break the suction.

It is difficult to predict how a patient will adapt to dentures.A stable, retentive denture increases success, but people must adapt psychologically and learn techniques of functioning with a denture. Speech patterns must be relearned and chewing efficiency may be dramatically reduced. For these reasons, full dentures are the last resort of dentistry.

There are two alternatives to full dentures: overdentures and implants. Occasionally weak teeth can be used to stabilize dentures. Teeth reduced in height are much stronger because forces are closer to the gums reducing the force generated on their roots.

Overdentures are dentures which fit over weak teeth reduced in height after root canals. In addition, precision attachments can be placed in these teeth and dentures for added retention. Retaining roots will also help maintain bone height which might recede if roots were not there.

Dental Implants

Often, implants are preferred over fixed bridges because natural adjacent teeth are not damaged making their long term prognosis better. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is osteointegrated (bone joins to it) into your jaw. Permanent replacement teeth are joined to implants appearing and functioning like your own teeth. Often, implants are preferred over fixed bridges because natural adjacent teeth are not damaged making their long term prognosis better.

The modern day implant has been done for over forty years with great success. The jaw must have enough bone to place implants and a patient should be in good health. Diabetes, smoking, and other systemic diseases can limit implant success. Proper brushing, flossing and maintenance procedures are critical to maintaining gum and bone health that support implants.

If teeth are extracted, bone must fill the space where the tooth was prior to placing an implant. Healing can be six months or more before bone is dense enough to accept an implant. Placing the implant is a surgical procedure done with just local anesthesia.

Healing of bone into the implant requires three to six months and after the implant is exposed through the gums, restoration can take an additional three to eight weeks.

Since implants involve surgery and are more involved, they cost more than traditional bridge work. However, some dental procedures and portions of the restoration may be covered by dental and medical insurance policies. Your dentist can help you with this process.

Paul Chalifoux
http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/the-aesthetically-perfect-smile-122937.html

Without any dental insurance or dental plans most americans would not get there routine check up. The cost of dental care can be so expensive. Now It’s easy to save money on quality dental care for you and your family with a discount dental plan. Enjoy discounts on checkups, cleanings, braces, root canals and more with select plans. For more information on these discount dental plans go to http://www.smileforless.us. Why it is very important to keep up on your routine dental visits.

Tooth decay is one of the most common of all disorders, second only to the common cold. It usually occurs in children and young adults but can affect any person. It is the most important cause of tooth loss in younger people. Plaque begins to accumulate on teeth within 20 minutes after eating (the time when most bacterial activity occurs). If this plaque is not removed thoroughly and routinely, tooth decay will not only begin, but flourish.

The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel surface of the tooth and create holes in the tooth (cavities). Cavities are usually painless until they grow very large inside the tooth and destroy the nerve and blood vessels in the tooth. If left untreated, a tooth abscess can develop. Untreated tooth decay also destroys the internal structures of the tooth (pulp) and ultimately causes the loss of the tooth.

Most cavities are discovered in the early stages during routine checkups. The surface of the tooth may be soft when probed with a sharp instrument. Pain may not be present until the advanced stages of tooth decay. Dental x-rays may show some cavities before they are visible to the eye.

Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. The word periodontal literally means “around the tooth.” Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth.

Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed.

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Nancy
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/discount-dental-plans-can-help-prevent-gum-disease-and-tooth-decay-83736.html

If you have ever had any serious dental work done, then you probably know what a dental crown looks like. These caps cover your tooth after extensive damage from decay or fracture and drilling have made a normal filling impossible, presenting you with the look of a normal tooth. Old technology meant that the dental crowns had to be made of metal with an acrylic or porcelain overlay that covered it. Because of the metal under the caps, the face of the dental crowns had to be opaque rather than the normal looking translucency of a tooth. These crowns tend to look good when they are first installed, but because of the fact that they are not translucent, the look can deteriorate over time. We have all seen “bad” dental crowns.

A dental crown that is cemented in your youth may not stain or color the way that a normal tooth does, which makes the opaque surface much more apparent next to the rest of your teeth. They can also begin to show metal at the gum line, which looks like a dark line and makes it obvious that your tooth is not normal. Any dentist, particularly a cosmetic dentist, could look at your smile and point out the dental crowns. Even worse can be metal crowns, which are obvious even when you are just talking, and which can be replaced with much more attractive porcelain dental crowns.

If you have visible dental crowns with a metal base that look less than perfect in your own mouth, then your alternative may be a new technology that allows a cosmetic dentist to bond all porcelain or all acrylic dental crowns in place of the old crowns. These new crowns, which can be bonded by a cosmetic dentist for you, can be made translucent like the rest of your teeth in order to have the best appearance and the most realistic look possible. It is almost impossible to tell the crowns from the real teeth.

While these dental crowns are somewhat more delicate because they are created entirely from porcelain, they are also more beautiful, and this is important to many people. If you are looking for a dentist to help you deal with the exposed metal crown in your mouth, then consider looking for a cosmetic dentist. This person will have the most experience working with the materials, and will be best qualified to match the crown to your existing teeth to give you a perfect smile, no metal included.

Dr. Thomas Hedge, a cosmetic dentist in Cincinnati, Ohio, suggests that you search the web for a qualified cosmetic dentist. Most cosmetic dentistry web sites have collections of before and after images of cases the doctor has performed. His “secret” to giving his patients beautiful natural all porcelain crowns is the use of digital photography. He photographs all aspects of the tooth with a special dental camera that gives proper lighting in the mouth. With today’s technology, there is no reason a crown should be imperceptible from a natural tooth.

Hedge
http://www.articlesbase.com/dental-care-articles/porcelain-dental-crowns-cincinnati-447767.html

There are now several families that are in need of affordable dental care here in the United States Of America. It’s estimated that 7 of 10 people don’t have any type of dental insurance. This isn’t a big surprise considering our health care system, however, the facts are that for seventy percent of our country to be without dental coverage is completely unacceptable.

As the costs of making an appointment with the dentist continuing to soar, buying cheap dental insurance is becoming more important than in previous years. The good news is that recently, with the assistance of the Internet, researching cheap dental benefit plans isn’t as hard as it used to be Typing in the relevant keywords into Google, Yahoo or MSN will present you with potentially dozens of dental insurance websites and offers. So, whatever your specific dental needs or budget, you are certain to find a dental plan package which meets your specifications. Also, it’s worth mentioning that it is advisable for prospective buyers of dental plans to take advantage of the services of an online dental plan finder. These types of services are particularly helpful to those who have little experience in shopping around for dental coverage. There is no doubt that the helpful service which an online dental finder can increase your chances of locating low cost dental coverage.

When locating an online dental plan finder, it is always a good idea to approach companies that have a good reputation and track record in the dental benefits industry. Doing this can ensure that you get an effective and well tailored dental plan service. At this junction, I should let you know that prospective buyers of dental insurance need to show caution when looking to buy dental benefits. This is because there are many dental plan scams that unsuspecting people might be lured into. There are also informative guides and resources online inform people on how to avoid dental benefits scams.

Joe Stewart
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/affordable-low-cost-dental-plans-the-dos-and-donts-of-finding-low-cost-dental-plans-128639.html

Dentistry is the art and science of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions, diseases, and disorders of the oral cavity, the maxillofacial region, and its associated structures as it relates to human beings. A dentist is a doctor qualified to practice dentistry. In most countries, several years of training in a university (usually 4-8) and some practical experience working with actual patients’ dentition are required to become a qualified dentist. The patron saint of dentists is Saint Apollonia, martyred in Alexandria by having all her teeth violently extracted.

General Dental Practice includes most examination, diagnosis, treatment planning, treatment, and prevention of disease. The dentist frequently uses X-rays and other equipment to ensure correct diagnosis and treatment planning. Treatment may include filling cavities, removing the nerves of teeth, treating diseases of the gums, removing teeth, and replacing lost teeth with Bridges and Dentures (Dental Plates). Anesthesia is often used in any treatment that might cause pain.

Teeth may be filled with Gold, Silver, Amalgam, or Cements, and with fused Porcelain Inlays. Dentists treat diseases of the mouth and gums such as trench mouth and Periodontitis. An important part of general dental practice is preventive dentistry. If a dentist examines a patient’s teeth at regular intervals, a disease may be detected and treated before it becomes serious. Dentists also demonstrate proper methods of brushing and flossing the teeth. They may advise their patients about what food to eat or to avoid for good dental health. Dentists may also treat teeth with Fluorides or other substances to prevent decay.

In the United States, dentists earn either a D.D.S. (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or D.M.D.(Doctor of Dental Medicine) degree. There is no difference in the training for either degree. The degrees are equivalent, and recognized equally by all state boards of dentistry.

There are 56 Accredited Dental schools in the United States requiring 4 years of post graduate study (except for one unique 3 year program at the University of the Pacific)[14]. Most applicants to dental school have attained at least a B.S. or B.A. degree, however, a small percentage are admitted after only fulfilling specific prerequisite courses. So unlike many other countries, it can take more than 8 years to become a dentist.

(List of dental schools in the United States) The degrees D.D.S. and D.M.D. require equivalent education and are identical in every way. The difference relates to the history involved in the division of medicine and surgery in medical practice. There has been a recent movement to include a 5th year of education that focuses on purely practical training in the clinical setting. In at least one state, a state dental license can be received without taking the licensing exam (State Board Exam) upon completing this additional year of training.

Dentists are licensed and regulated by the state in which they practice. The license is only valid in the issuing state and is non-transferable. There are many cooperative agreements between states that allow recognition of another state’s license so as to procure a license either via “licensure by credentials” or “licensure by reciprocity.”

A dentist may go on for further training in a dental specialty which requires an additional 1 to 7 years of post-doctoral training. There are 9 recognized dental specialties. They are Endodontics(root canal treatment), Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics(gums), Prosthodontics (complicated dental reconstruction), Orthodontics(braces), Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery(tooth removal and surgery of the oral and related structures), and Dental Public Health.

There is no specialty in esthetic dentistry or implantology, and no additional training is required for a dentist to make the claim of being an esthetic or cosmetic dentist. Dentists are forbidden to claim that they are specialists in areas of practice in which there is no recognized specialty. They may limit their practices to a single area of dentistry, and claim that their practice is limited to that area.

Any general dentist may perform those procedures designated within the enumerated specialties if they deem themselves competent. Many general dentists train in certain aspects of the above specialties such as the placement and restoration of dental implants, advanced prosthodontics and endodontics, and have limited or heavily focused their practices to these areas. When a general dentist performs any procedure that falls within the realm of a specialty, they are expected to perform with the same level of expertise as a certified specialist and are legally held to such standards with respect to any issues of malpractice.

There are nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association and require 2-6 years of residency training after dental school.

The specialties are Dental Public Health (study of dental epidemiology and social health policies), Endodontics (root canal therapy), Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology (study, diagnosis, and often the treatment of oral and maxillofacial related diseases), Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (study and radiologic interpretation of oral and maxillofacial diseases), Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (extractions and facial surgery), Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics (straightening of teeth), Pedodontics (pediatric dentistry; i.e. dentistry for children), Periodontics (treatment of gum disease), Prosthodontics (replacement of missing facial anatomy by prostheses such as dentures, bridges and implants).

Specialists in these fields are designated registrable (U.S. “Board Eligible”) and warrant exclusive titles such as orthodontist, oral surgeon, pedodontist, periodontist, or prosthodontist upon satisfying certain local (U.S. “Board Certified”) registry requirements.

Two other post-graduate formal advanced education programs: General Practice Residency (advanced clinical and didactic training with intense hospital experience) and Advanced Education in General Dentistry (advanced training in clinical dentistry) recognized by the ADA do not lead to specialization.

Other dental education exists where no post-graduate formal university training is required: cosmetic dentistry, dental implant, temporo-mandibular joint therapy. These usually require the attendance of one or more continuing education courses that typically last for one to several days. There are restrictions on allowing these dentists to call themselves specialists in these fields. The specialist titles are registrable titles and controlled by the local dental licensing bodies.

Forensic odontology consists of the gathering and use of dental evidence in law. This may be performed by any dentist with experience or training in this field. The function of the forensic dentist is primarily documentation and verification of identity.

Geriatric dentistry or geriodontics is the delivery of dental care to older adults involving the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of problems associated with normal aging and age-related diseases as part of an interdisciplinary team with other health care professionals.

Josh Stone
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/a-career-in-dentistry-pulling-teeth-86528.html

After dental school, many dentists opt to continue their education and enter a dental residency program. This is not unlike medical school graduates who attend residency for two to eight years. The difference with a dental residency is that residency is not required. It is your choice to complete a residency or not.

Many would recommend completing at least a year of residency after dental school. The reason is that a residency provides a learning environment not found in dental school. In the third and fourth year of dental school, a student begins taking care of patients in a supervised environment. A student would perform basic tasks and see about three or so patients a day.

In a residency, a dental school graduate could see up to ten patients a day. This hospital environment is much more hectic than anything a student has experienced in dental school. It is a great way to practice your profession because although you are licensed to practice by yourself, a recent graduate cannot make up for lack of experience. Completing a residency allows a student to ask questions that an experienced dentist can answer right away.

The patients you see during your residency are also much different than in private practice. Usually a patient will have other health concerns other than their teeth. They may be on many different types of medication. This environment helps you hone your skills in providing the best care for your patient. You might have to converse with other doctors about your patient’s health before performing a procedure or writing a prescription.

A residency is also the path you take if you want to become more than a general dentist. Maybe you are interested in orthodontics or oral surgery. If you desire to specialize in a certain dental field then you must complete a residency. A residency allows you to apprentice with an experienced professional. This could take two to four years depending on your specialty.

Another career choice after dental school is private practice. Unlike medical school, a dental school graduate is licensed to practice immediately. You don’t have to complete a residency if you feel like you are ready for private practice.

Private practice means that you set up your own office and see your own clients. This is a good way if you are the entrepreneurial type. Remember that opening your own practice means that you will have to draw patients and hire staff. You may need a dental assistant, a front desk receptionist, and other staff. Don’t forget that there are startup costs in opening your own practice such as leasing office space and buying equipment. To reduce these costs, you can open a practice with other dentists.

There are different options out there for dental graduates. Research your next step and think about the lifestyle that you desire.

Catherine Zandueta
http://www.articlesbase.com/college-and-university-articles/life-after-dental-school-84856.html

The words hung in the air and the implied meaning struck me like a hammer. There was no way I was going to allow this dentist to make a permanent hole in my tooth and then fill it after hearing the word, ‘reversible’. I was going to do a little research first. I feared that what the dentist wanted to do and what was really necessary were two very divergent realities. Turns out that I was right.

I did my research. The majority of the sources I checked indicated that reversible pulpitis will go away without intervention. So why did this dentist want to drill into my perfectly good tooth? That is a question that still disturbs me, more than a year later.

It does appear that there is a ‘gray’ area nestled in among the qualified opinions of dentists. Some believe that the very beginning of tooth decay should be immediately drilled and filled. Others are not so quick on the draw.

Having a number of negative experiences with dentists, I’ve become a bit cautious around them. It seems to have paid off on at least a couple of occasions to hold off on ‘immediate’ treatment and do a little research first.

I equate the dentist attempting to ’start right away’ with the type of high pressure tactics that often take place on a used car lot. The stakes are a little higher in the former case. The health of our teeth and gum tissue is not the realm where sharp salesman or NLP wielding marketers should tread. Yet, the phrase, ‘let the buyer beware’ still seems apropos.

What happened at the end of my story? I dropped that dentist like a bad habit. I was so sure that nothing was wrong that I didn’t even bother getting a second opinion. Six months later, I went to another dentist and guess what? There was no cavity in sight. “But, isn’t it in my chart?”, I asked. ” “Yes, I see it in there.” Not wanting to harm the reputation of the other dentist, I decided not to say anymore.

I’ve thought a lot about it though. The words that first dentist said before declaring her wish to drill and fill my tooth were about her impending wedding. I can’t help but think she felt some special need to make more money then her usual take.

I briefly considered reporting her to the state board that regulates her profession. I decided not to. I believe in the saying, ‘what goes around, comes around’. I don’t wish for anything bad to happen to this dentist. I just believe that there is a universal justice system that balances things out in the end.

In any case, I’m glad that I didn’t have a cavity that was permanent. The moral of this story is to underscore a point that I think is important. The body does have the ability to heal itself. Softness in dental enamel is no different. Still, perhaps there are times when it cannot.

Of course, I’m not a dentist and I’m not suggesting self diagnosis or treatment. If you have or think you might have a cavity or any other dental condition, you should go to your dentist for diagnosis and treatment.

But it does appear that sometimes you can start to develop a cavity and it can go away. I found a reference to a November 1991 study published in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation in PubMed. (PMID 1762023). This study was conducted by the Dental Research Unit of Hadassah Medical School located in Jerusalem, Israel.

After intentionally softening enamel utilizing a popular cola drink, they found significant hardening of the enamel from eating hard cheese. This is important because it suggests that when the tooth enamel is weakened it can become strong again.

That makes sense because the human body is not a machine in the true sense. For example, a car doesn’t have any self-healing mechanisms. It breaks down sooner than a human body and requires external intervention to keep it running. The human body has many ways to heal itself in contrast. Consider a cut or an abrasion and how the body can often repair those problems without serious medical intervention.

Remember, if you have or think you might have any dental problems at all, be sure to consult your dentist for diagnosis and treatment.

On a side note, I believe the cornerstone of my personal health maintenance regimen to be the healthy, energizing and peaceful exercises of Falun Dafa. You can read and watch videos about them on the FalunDafaorg website.

David Snape
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/reversible-pulpitis-135349.html

The cost of dental insurance has gone through the roof in recent years. It’s now a proven statistic that approximately 70% of American have no dental coverage at all because of this. However, the most disturbing thing about this is that most dental insurance plans really don’t provide much coverage. Many people aren’t even aware of what they’re buying until they get to the dentist and have their claim denied because the procedure that they need to have done is considered to be pre-existing and dental insurance won’t cover anything that’s pre-existing. That means that if your spouse or daughter is in pain right now and you don’t already have insurance you are on your own.

The best way to beat the high cost of dental insurance is to join what’s called a discount dental plan. Many of these discount plans offer savings of as much as 60% off on most major dental care, as well as preventive care, such as cleanings, x-rays, etc. Since discount plans are not an insurance policy you can be seen for any reason, pre-existing or not. There aren’t any exclusions, no age limits, no co-pays, no headaches.

This is how discount plans work. Find a dentist in your area that is a member of the discount network. Join the plan by paying the low annual fee. This is usually under $100.00 for an individual, which is much less than insurance.

Within 1-3 days you can see a participating dentist. Once you get your activation notice, simply make an appointment, get a check-up and x-rays, determine what needs to be done and what you can afford to pay that day and then get the work done. It’s just that easy.

If you’ve been looking for affordable dental insurance I can tell you that it just doesn’t exist, if you consider what you’re actually getting for your money. I encourage you to look at both dental insurance (make sure to look at the “Exclusions”) and discount dental plans. I think you’ll be shocked at what you find.

Joe Stewart
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/how-to-beat-the-high-cost-of-dental-insurance-245502.html

In the world of dentistry, dentists are consumed with ways to increase their new patient count. There are the typical advertising venues such as the yellow pages, your local newspapers, and chamber of commerces. Those do well for dentists, but there are other ideas that can greatly increase the new patient count for dentists. Some of those ideas: The local welcoming service- A great way to introduce your practice to new families that have just moved into the community. New families are looking for a dentist, why not your practice. Another great idea is that of network groups in the community. These networks are a great way to make friends, spread the word of who you are and what you do. The third thing that I have seen that works quite well in our day and age is the internet. You must have a website today to survive the competition of other dentists.

Ok so you have a website? Are you getting any calls from the website? I doubt it. You must have the site optimized. SEO companies are great to help optimize your site, build links for your site, and make sure the content is best suited for the search engines. You will then see new patients from your website!

The last idea that I have personally seen work quite well for increasing new patient counts for dentists is that of advertising online in directories. You have directories such as 1800dentist.com, www.circlecitydentists.com, usadentistguide.com, and many others. The directories online can be a great place to acquire new patients, mainly because the positioning of the directory is so good. They also do not cost a lot of money. In summary these are some great ideas that can quickly build your dental practice.

craig cooper
http://www.articlesbase.com/dental-care-articles/dentist-marketing-and-advertising-ideas-368866.html