by the
SOUTH AFRICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION
Dental care is an investment for life.
Visiting your dentist as often as advised may help to ensure that your teeth will be
with you for a lifetime.
Remember - prevention is better than cure. Ignore your teeth and they WILL go
away.
Meet the ORAL HEALTH TEAM in your
dentist's office
All the members of the dental team contribute to the well being of your oral health.
Each and every member of the team plays a vital role in preventive dentistry and it should
be remembered that this team has been created in your best Interests.
General Practitioner Dentist
 Your dentist is the most
important member of the dental team and is the first person to examine your mouth
including teeth, gums, tongue and the soft tissue lining. Your dentist is able to diagnose
cavities and possible problem areas such as gum disease, crooked teeth, cancer of the
mouth and other medical conditions which may present oral symptoms.
Dentists are able to fill and repair most teeth damaged by decay,
replace missing teeth and treat gum disorders. In order to aid diagnosis, your dentist may
have to rely on various diagnostic procedures, such as X-rays or models of your mouth. By
treating early signs of disease they are able to prevent the further development of
problems. |
Receptionist
 The
receptionist is usually the first person with whom you have contact in the dental office.
Her duties include the answering of the telephone and setting of the appointments. She
administers the office and ensures that you are welcome in reception and waiting room
areas that are neat and pleasant.
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Dental
Assistant
 The
Dental Assistant works closely with the dentist in the operatory. Her involvement in your
treatment starts with settling you comfortably into the treatment chair, assisting the
dentist by preparing the correct equipment and mixing the appropriate materials needed for
a particular procedure. As a specially trained person she is able to explain the procedure
to you and also ensures that the operatory and instruments are kept clean and sterile.
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Oral
Hygienist
 The
Oral Hygienist works very closely with the dentist by providing education in oral health
care. She will advise on how and when regular brushing and flossing of the teeth and gums
should take place. Being university trained she can advise on the importance of diet in
the prevention of tooth decay and the use of fluorides. She will clean and polish teeth.
In an attempt to improve or maintain the health of your mouth by the removal of dental
plaque. As part of your preventive programme the oral hygienist may apply fluoride and
fissure sealants where necessary. See also the Oral Hygienist's Ombudsman |
Dental
Technician
 The Dental Technician is a highly skilled and qualified person with at
least four years training in a laboratory. The dental technician makes crowns, bridges,
inlays, dentures and orthodontic appliances as prescribed by the dentist or specialist. In
all instances these items are returned to the dentist or dental specialist for
professional fitting.Considering a career as
Dental Technician? |
DENTAL REFERRALS
 Upon reaching a diagnosis your dentist may refer you to a colleague
for advice or treatment.
Certain dentists may place special emphasis on or limit their practice to children's
dentistry (Paediatric Dentistry). The Paediatric Dentist will aim to create an atmosphere
in the dental office that will encourage children to visit the dentist regularly and
receive good preventive dental care from a young age.
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| Other dentists may place emphasis on or limit their
practice to root canal treatment (Endodontics). This may include the treatment of tooth
abscesses or injury of the tooth nerve. DENTAL SPECIALITIES
There are five Dental specialities all of which require a minimum of three
years full time post-graduate study, leading to a higher qualification. These are:- |
Orthodontics:
 Orthodontists
straighten crooked teeth or teeth that do not fit together properly and attend to
malformations of the jaw and/or joint disorders. An increasing number of children and
adults chew better, look better and their teeth last longer as a result of orthodontic
treatment. |
Prosthodontics:
 A
Prosthodontist specialises in restorative dentistry. This involves endodontics, the
restoration of teeth with inlays, crowns, bridges and denture construction. A
prosthodontist also undertakes the restoration of implants, the construction of missing
facial parts such ears, noses and eyes and the treatment of some joint disorders. |
Maxillo Facial and Oral Surgery:
 Maxillo Facial and Oral Surgeons are concerned with the
surgical removal of impacted and unerupted teeth. They correct deformities of the jaw,
repair cleft palates and treat broken jaws and joint disorders. They form part of the
dental team concerned with implant dentistry. |
Periodontics:
 A
Periodontist diagnoses and treats gum disease. This involves treatment of the gums, root
surfaces and surrounding bone. A periodontist also places implants in the jaws and is
responsible for maintaining the teeth, gums and implants in good health. |
Oral
Pathology:
The Oral Pathologist is involved in the diagnosis of disease, its causes,
processes and effects on the mouth and surrounding structures. The diagnosis may require
the use of several different investigation procedures. The oral pathologist may recommend
and assist with treatment of the patient. |
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- MEET YOUR DENTIST