A dentist is someone who specializes in helping people get the smiles they want. They do this by cleaning teeth, checking X-rays and educating patients on the best ways to care for their teeth.

They help people with gum disease, tooth decay, oral trauma and other oral health problems. They also provide preventive dentistry and cosmetic dental services such as whitening, veneers and crowns.

Dentists are doctors who have received a doctorate degree from an accredited dental school. This degree is usually a DDS or a DMD.

DDS stands for “Doctor of Dental Surgery.” Some dentists are also called “doctor of medicine in dentistry” or “doctor of dental medicine.” The qualifications required to be a doctor of dental medicine include completing an undergraduate degree and four years of focused training in an accredited dental school.

During their four-year education, dentists learn about a wide range of topics such as biochemistry, microbiology and immunology. They also take courses on anatomy, physiology and pathology.

As with other medical professionals, dentists need to be caring and compassionate as well as clever and competent. They must be able to communicate with patients and explain procedures in simple terms.

The workplace of a dentist is usually a dental office or dental hospital. Most dentists work in a team with other dental health professionals such as dental hygienists, orthodontic technicians and assistants.

A typical day at the office may start with a patient calling in for an appointment. After their name is called, they go into the exam room and sit down in a comfortable chair that looks like a big recliner.

Once the patient is in the exam room, the dentist or hygienist will give them a thorough cleaning. This is done with a special kind of toothpaste and brushes. A fluoride treatment will be given as well to help strengthen the tooth’s enamel and keep cavities at bay.

Some people are nervous about going to the dentist, so the dentist or hygienist may offer sedation options to make the process more relaxing. They are also trained in pain management, including medication for numbness.

They must be able to handle a high volume of patients, and they often work long hours. Some dentists see up to 15 or 20 patients a day, and some are even on call.

You should visit your dentist at least twice a year for checkups and cleanings. These appointments are very important to your teeth and gums. They are vital for preventing serious oral health issues, such as gum disease or tooth decay.

There are many different areas of dentistry, with each area having its own specialty. For example, there are general dentists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, periodontists (people who specialize in gum disease), dental hygienists, prosthodontists (people who fix missing teeth) and orthodontists (people who help with the way your teeth fit together).

While there is some variation between these areas of dentistry, they all focus on providing high quality health care to their patients. They are also known for their professionalism, integrity and dedication to their field.