What’s the difference between a DDS and a DMD?

There’s no difference; both degrees involve the same training. Universities choose which title to award their graduates.

How often should I visit a general dentist?

Ideally, schedule a visit every 6–12 months for a routine check-up and cleaning.

Stomatology, another term for dentistry, comes from the Greek word "stoma," meaning mouth. In some European countries, stomatology was historically considered a medical specialty.

🦷 General Dentistry: What You Need for a Healthy Smile

Q: What’s the difference between a general dentist and a specialist?

A general dentist provides primary oral care, while specialists focus on specific areas like orthodontics, endodontics, or surgery.

General dentistry is the foundation of oral health care.

It focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions that affect the teeth, gums, tongue, jaw, salivary glands, and more.

👨‍⚕️ A general dentist is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages. Think of them as the “family doctor” for your mouth!

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🤔 Why Should You Visit a General Dentist?

Even if your teeth feel fine, regular dental visits are essential for maintaining a healthy smile. Dentists can detect problems early—before they become serious or painful.

It’s recommended to visit a general dentist every 6–12 months for a checkup and cleaning.

Benefits of regular visits include:

✅ Preventing future dental issues
✅ Catching cavities and gum disease early
✅ Checking for signs of oral cancer
✅ Referring you to a specialist if needed

🛠️ Services Offered by a General Dentist

Your general dentist provides a wide range of care, including:

🔹Professional Cleanings – Removes plaque and tartar
🔹Fillings – Treats tooth decay
🔹Gum Disease Care – Treats gingivitis and mild periodontitis
🔹Dental X-rays – Identifies hidden issues
🔹Patient Education – Offers tips for brushing, flossing, and nutrition
🔹Tooth Extractions – Removes problematic teeth when necessary

🧾 What to Expect at Your First Appointment

Your first dental visit is a thorough review of your oral and overall health.

1. Medical History Review

Your dentist may ask:

Are you taking any medications?
Do you have chronic conditions (like diabetes or high blood pressure)?
Any drug allergies?
Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?

2. Comprehensive Oral Exam

The dentist will check:

Teeth, gums, and tongue
Lips and cheeks
TMJ (jaw joints) and bite alignment
Gum depth using periodontal probes

3. Cleaning and X-rays

You’ll likely receive a dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar.

If needed, the dentist may take X-rays to look for deeper issues like cavities, infections, or bone loss.

🌟 Dental Specialties Explained

General dentists can refer you to a specialist when more advanced care is needed:

Orthodontist – Aligns teeth with braces or clear aligners
Pediatric Dentist – Focuses on kids’ oral health
Periodontist – Treats severe gum disease
Endodontist – Specializes in root canal treatment
Oral Surgeon – Performs complex tooth extractions and jaw surgery
Prosthodontist – Replaces missing teeth with crowns, bridges, or implants
Cosmetic Dentist – Improves smile appearance (whitening, veneers, etc.)

🎓 Becoming a General Dentist: The Education Journey

To become a general dentist in the U.S., a student must:

1️⃣ Complete a 4-year bachelor’s degree
2️⃣ Attend 4 years of dental school to earn either:

Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD)

📚 Both degrees are equivalent and involve the same level of training.

❓ FAQs About General Dentistry

What’s the difference between a DDS and a DMD?

There is no difference—both degrees are equal. It just depends on the dental school’s naming preference.

How often should I go to the dentist?

You should visit your dentist every 6–12 months for routine checkups and cleanings.

What’s the difference between a general dentist and a dental specialist?

A general dentist provides overall oral care, while specialists focus on specific areas like braces, root canals, or oral surgery.

What is stomatology?

“Stomatology” is another word for dentistry, based on the Greek word “stoma,” meaning mouth. It’s still used in some countries to describe the field of dental medicine.

🦷 Final Thoughts

Your general dentist is your partner in keeping your smile healthy and strong 😁.

Whether it’s a routine checkup, a cavity filling, or learning better brushing habits, general dentistry is the first step toward lifelong oral health.

✅ Stay consistent with dental visits
✅ Practice great oral hygiene at home
✅ Don’t wait until something hurts to see your dentist!