Dentistry is a professional career dedicated to the evaluation, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area (upper and lower jaws), associated structures next to these areas and their impact on the human body. Oral health is widely considered necessary for complete general health. As a dentist, you are a member of the healthcare team providing advice to the public about oral healthcare. Your job will also include restoring function to badly decayed, broken or infected teeth, replacing missing teeth with dentures, bridges or implant-supported prostheses, treatment of oral diseases such as inflammatory diseases of gum and supporting tissues, destructive diseases such as cancer of the oral tissues, the aligning and straightening of teeth.
Dentists’ work is not confined to filling and pulling out teeth. The care that dentists are trained to provide greatly improves the quality of their patients’ lives. Oral diseases like tooth decay, gum diseases and oral cancer, malocclusion (when teeth in the upper and lower jaws do not fit properly), genetic deformities and anomalies affecting the oro-facial complex, and other oral problems can cause a great deal of discomfort, pain and adversely affect oral functions such as chewing food, talking or playing of musical instruments. A patient’s appearance, self-esteem and confidence can also be greatly enhanced through various types of dental procedures.
Dentists are usually not required to be on call at night nor to make house calls. Thus it is easier for dentists to achieve a perfect balance between their professional and personal lives.