Dental Team Members and Their Roles

A Dentist is a medical professional who specializes in oral health. They are supported by a dental team that includes dental hygienists, technicians, and therapists. A dental team provides the dental care you need in a comfortable and convenient environment. These professionals are trained to care for your oral health and can perform various procedures. Visit Calgary Dentists to learn more.

Dental hygienist

A dental hygienist is a registered professional who practices dentistry. They are registered with a regulatory body and the dental association. They can also be known as an oral hygienist. Hygienists help patients maintain oral health and improve their dental hygiene.

A dental hygienist must have at least an associate's degree and be dexterous and detail-oriented. In addition, they need to take an accredited program and complete a Commission on Dental Accreditation program to become licensed. They can also pursue higher education if they wish to teach future hygienists or conduct research.

Periodontist

Seeing a Periodontist at the dentist is an excellent idea to help your gums stay healthy. They will evaluate your gums for looseness, poor bite, and receding gums. They will also use a probe to measure the depth of your periodontal pockets. These pockets are spaces between your gums and teeth that can be a source of infection. X-rays may also be taken to get a clearer picture of your gum health.

While dentists can perform many of the same procedures that periodontists do, a periodontist specializes in gum disease. They have additional training and understand how gum disease affects the entire body. If gum disease isn't treated properly, bacteria can enter the bloodstream, resulting in other problems. This means periodontists can offer better care and more advanced procedures than your dentist.

Endodontist

Endodontics is a dental specialty devoted to the study and treatment of dental pulp. This type of work aims to make teeth more functional and beautiful. It is a rewarding career that combines a love of science and patient care. To become an endodontist, you must first undergo an extensive training program and pass a certification exam.

Endodontists are trained to treat teeth severely damaged by dental trauma. For example, if a child's permanent tooth is knocked out in an accident, the root can become permanently damaged and may not heal. In such a case, an endodontist performs root canal surgery to repair the tooth. In addition, endodontists can perform a procedure called apexification, which stimulates the bone growth at the tip of the root, allowing the tooth to be saved and replanted.

Pediatric Dentist

A pediatric dentist deals with the dental needs of children. Pediatric dentists are the best choice for your child's dental care. They can help you keep your child healthy and happy. They can perform a variety of procedures, including teeth cleaning and x-rays. Pediatric dentists can also help you to prevent dental problems in the future.

Pediatric dentists have special training and are licensed to treat only kids. They are highly experienced in treating children and are gentle and reassuring. The first dental visit can be traumatic for a child, but the dentist will make the experience fun and positive for your child. The dentist will also provide advice on oral health and coordinate care with other specialists.

Registered dental assistant

If you are interested in assisting a dentist, consider becoming a registered dental assistant. These professionals are required to complete a specific training program. They must also maintain accurate patient records and maintain dental equipment. With the right training, you could advance to management or supervisory positions and even become an educator.

A registered dental assistant performs a variety of tasks under the supervision of a dentist. Depending on the practice, they may also perform administrative duties. For example, they may help sterilize instruments, clean and prepare dental materials, schedule appointments, or prepare patients for treatments. They may also be responsible for billing services or keeping patient files.