General Dentist

This is probably the most common type of dentist you’ll find - these are the dentists who learn to perform most dental procedures, serving on the front line of diagnostic and preventative procedures. They’re capable of diagnosing and recognising the earliest signs of dental disease, and have the skills to treat the disease before the condition progresses too far.

A general dentist will always have attended dental school, where they’ll learn about anatomy, microbiology and pharmacology. They’ll practice skills on dental patients, and perform work on dental models of the mouth and teeth, before learning how to perform clinical treatment in different dental settings.

Once a dentist graduates from dental school, they are considered a general dentist. With their licence, they’ll be able to perform whatever dentistry procedure they need to within their office, from root canals to extractions. Most general dentists will stick to restorative dentistry and hygiene care, which includes quite a lot of services.

• Initial examinations

• Emergency examinations

• Oral cancer screenings

• Oral hygiene and cleanings

• Periodic hygiene exams

• Gum treatments for gum disease

• Fillings to repair tooth decay or broken teeth

• Porcelain crowns

• Bridges and veneers

• Dental implants

• Teeth whitening

Some general dentists may offer orthodontic treatment in the office, using cosmetic aids such as Invisilign or ClearCorrect - but when a dental issue becomes more specialised, a general dentist’s superpower is their network of dental associates who’ll be able to perform a wide array of dental treatments.

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Not what you’re looking for? Check out our full Meet Your Dentist series to discover the other types of dentist available, and to track down exactly what you need.