When most people think of a dentist, they picture someone who cleans teeth and drills cavities. While general dentist jobs are the most common, there are many more specialized dental jobs available. A dentist who specializes in root canals and other procedures involving the tooth’s root, for example, is known as an endodontist. Following a visit to the dentist, a patient may be referred to an endodontist, who can handle the tooth’s more complex problem.
Other dentist jobs are less specialized than general dentistry but still have a narrower focus. Some dentist jobs, for example, are focused on a specific demographic. A pediatric dentist is a dentist who only works on children’s teeth. He or she will keep track of a child’s teeth and gums as they grow, and the pediatric dentist will establish a routine for calming children during their often stressful regular visits. Such dentist jobs frequently necessitate a gentle touch, a pleasant demeanor, and a desire to work with children of various ages. The majority of pediatric dentists work with children from birth to the age of eighteen.
Periodontists are dental specialists who specialize in the gums and how they affect tooth health and growth. A general dentist will often be the first point of contact for a dental examination, and if a problem arises, the dentist will refer the patient to a periodontist. Specialized dentist jobs require the same amount of education and experience as general dentist jobs, but the specialist chooses to specialize in one area in order to better serve patients more efficiently and quickly.
A dentist who specializes in straightening or aligning the teeth and jaw is known as an orthodontist. In order to straighten out crooked teeth that can cause pain or discomfort, a patient may visit an orthodontist to have braces or a retainer fitted. An orthodontist can also help with jaw problems like misalignment, which can cause swelling and pain. When an orthodontist treats a patient who has broken a jaw, the jaw may need to be wired shut to promote healing. This procedure, as well as others in the mouth and jaw, may be performed by maxillofacial surgeons.