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Table of Contents
Our teeth have so many functions that can influence our daily life. For instance, a simple smile can boost our confidence and affect the person who sees it. Dentists are important because they help us maintain and take care of our oral health.
See the fact file below for more information on Dentist or alternatively, you can download our 28-page Dentist worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.
Key Facts & Information
Introduction
- A dentist is a professional who examines and treats cases related to the teeth.
- The history of dentistry started in 7000 BCE in the Indus River Valley Civilization, and evidence shows that these so-called dentists used bow drills to fix cavities.
- After many years, Aristotle and Hippocrates carefully thought about dentistry, particularly the process of tooth extraction.
- In the Middle Ages in Europe, a barber-surgeon’s job included the duties of a dentist like tooth extraction and making false teeth.
- The first toothbrush used was composed of twigs with frayed edges invented by the Babylonians and Egyptians.
- The father of modern dentistry, Pierre Fauchard, wrote a book entitled The Surgeon Dentist, which discussed scientific approaches to the dentistry system, its techniques, and different practices.
- Technology and innovation have brought significant changes to the field of dentistry.
- People go to the dentist instead of the barber for tooth problems.
- Some of the most common dental issues include halitosis, tooth decay or cavities, gingivitis, periodontitis, sensitive and broken teeth, and oral cancer.
- Dentists are more equipped and advanced today.
- They can give the treatment their patients need with comfort.
Kinds of Teeth
INCISORS
- They are thin and flat-bottomed and the most visible teeth because they are at the front of the mouth.
CANINE
- They are also called cuspids.
- They are the sharp and pointed teeth located on the side of the incisors, just behind the corners of the mouth.
- They usually tear and rip the food you eat.
MOLARS
- They are wide and flat and are used mainly for chewing.
- The third molar is known as the wisdom tooth.
PREMOLARS
- They are also known as bicuspids and the first molars.
- They are located behind the canine.
- Compared to the canine and incisors, premolars are flatter in structure.
Types of Dentists
- Dentists such as general and family dentists can give several oral services such as cleaning or dental examinations, while a dental specialist specializes only in one field.
- The general dentist can refer patients to dental specialists to accurately address their concerns if they still need other medications.
- Here are the most common specializations in dentistry:
Prosthodontist
- They examine and treat patients who need an artificial replacement or dental prostheses on their damaged or missing teeth.
- They are experts in cosmetic surgery or treating patients with cases of traumatic reconstruction, implants, crowns, bridges, veneers, and dentures.
Periodontist
- They are dental specialists who focus on treating gum problems.
- Periodontists can either do surgery on gums for aesthetic purposes or restore the structure of the tissue.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeons focus on treatment of the maxillofacial region that includes the mouth, face, jaw, and neck.
- They perform invasive surgical procedures such as complex tooth extractions and surgical jaw correction, and provide treatments for cancer of the head and neck.
Orthodontist
- They are dental specialists who are experts in improving an improper bite and fixing misaligned teeth or jawbones.
- The usual treatments they provide include braces, retainers, aligners, splints, or mouth guards, which correct the bite and align the teeth over time.
Endodontist
- Endodontists are experts in treating issues in the dental pulp and the nerve of the tooth.
- The procedure they usually perform is root canal treatment.
Pediatric Dentist
- They are specialists who treat infants, children, or young people.
What Qualities Should a Dentist Have?
- Here are some skills useful to a dentist:
- Effective communication with patients
- Detail-oriented and dexterous
- Strong stamina and patience to work for long hours
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Leadership and organizational skills
- Compassion and constant desire to learn
What Does a Dentist Do?
- A dentist has several duties depending on their chosen specialization, but their general responsibilities include:
- Diagnosing issues with the teeth, gums, and other conditions and prescribing medication.
- Removing tooth decay and cavities.
- Interpreting x-rays to make accurate diagnoses.
- Administering anesthetics and performing surgeries and other procedures regarding their oral health issues.
- Repairing teeth and teaching patients about proper oral hygiene.
Famous Dentists
Pierre Fauchard
- He was the father of modern dentistry.
- He wrote a book containing a complete scientific guide regarding dentistry.
Doc Holliday
- Besides being a dentist, Doc Holliday was a famous gunfighter and gambler and considered an icon in the American Wild West due to the famous gunfight at the OK Corral he got involved in.
Horace Wells
- He introduced using anesthesia, particularly nitrous oxide, to prevent pain during dental procedures.
Levi Spear Parmly
- He was termed the Father of Preventive Dentistry or Dental Hygiene.
- He invented the first dental floss and introduced it as a way to prevent dental issues.
Ida Gray
- She was the first female African- American dentist in the US who was a graduate of the University of Michigan College of Dentistry.
Dentist Facts Worksheets
This is a fantastic bundle that includes everything you need to know about Dentist across 28 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use worksheets that are perfect for teaching about Dentist who are important because they help us maintain and take care of our oral health.
Complete List Of Included Worksheets
- Dentist Facts
- Qualities
- Magical Tools
- Where Do I Go?
- Dentist Duties
- How to Be a Dentist
- My Teeth
- Protecting the Teeth
- Routine
- Past and Present
- What’s Your Advice?
Frequently Asked Quesitons
Who is the father of modern dentistry?
Pierre Fauchard is recognized as the father of modern dentistry after having written the book entitled The Surgeon Dentist which contains the first comprehensive discussion of the scientific approaches to the practice of dentistry.
What are the different kinds of teeth that dentists should be knowledgeable about?
A human tooth can be classified into four different kinds and all of them have different locations and primary functions. These are the incisors, canine, molars, and premolars.
What are the different types of dentists?
One may be a general dentist who offers various dental services. On the other hand, dentists may also have specializations depending on the teeth or gum-related cases they address. Dentists with specializations can be a prosthodontist, periodontist, oral and maxillofacial surgeon, orthodontist, endodontist, or pediatric dentist.
What qualities should a dentist possess?
A dentist must be dexterous and patient in handling their patients’ teeth and gum-related problems. They must also consistently strive to update their knowledge of dentistry and communicate with their patients well.
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Link will appear as Dentist Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, February 9, 2022
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