Dental Health Guide

We would enjoy helping with your dental health. 

Call 435-688-9100 for an appointment.

For extensive dental questions got to: http://www.agd.org/public/OralHealthFacts/

GENERAL DENTISTS

General dentists are the primary dental care providers for patients of all ages.  They can treat you and your entire family and care for your overall health.  This is crucial to your total health.  Your general dentist takes responsibility for the diagnosis, teatment, and overall coordination of sevcies to meet your oral health needs.  If you need a specialized dental procedure performed, your general dentist may work with other dental specialists to make sure you get the care you need.

WHERE DO GENERAL DENTISTS PRACTICE?

General dentist make up the majority of the 143,000 dentists practicing in the United States and Canda.  Sometimes they become partners or associates with other dentists in a group practice.  Other general dentists own their practice.  Some general dentists work in government health services, research programs, higher education, corporations, and even the military.

WHAT KIND OF PROCEDURES DO GENERAL DENTIST PROVIDE?

Many General dentists are highly educated and trained on all dental procedures.  Instead of specializing in just one are of dentistry, they can provide plenty of different services for you and your family, such as:

1. Cosmetic procedures
2. Crowns and Bridges
3. Dental implants
4. Dentures
5. Gun Disease treatment
6. Home care instruction
7. Mouth guards
8. Nutrition counseling
9. Oral Surgery
10. Orthodontics
11. Partial Dentures
12. Restorative care
13. Root Canal therapy
14. Sealants
15. Teeth cleanings (Oral Hygiene)
16. Tobacco cessation
17. TMD/TMJ therapy

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN "DMD" AND "DDS"?

Nothing!  Both dentists receive the same education and complete the same curriculum requirements.  DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery and DMD stands for Doctor of Dental Medicine. 

HOW MUCH EDUCATON IS REQUIRED TO BECOME A GENERAL DENTIST?

To become a general dentist, three or more years of undergraduate college education (Most have a Bacholors Degree) with a strong science foundation, plus four years of dental school is required.  After graduation dentists must take a licensure examination which is required by the state, in which they practice.

HOW TO CHOOSE A DENTIST

It is generally acknowledged that more than 46 percent of consumers do not have a general dentist.  Many consumers turn to the phone book for a new family dentist.  However, this tool may not be the most reliable source of information. To help the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) provides resources to help you look for a new dentist.

1. Begin the Search by calling the AGD's consumer referral line, 1-877-292-9327 to connect with three AGD member dentists.  Or, ask for recommendations.  Family, friends, neighbors, or co-workers can be excellent sources, and can refer you to a dentist they feel comfortable visiting.  Ask your family physician or local pharmacist.  If you are moving you current dentist may be able to make a recommendation.  Or, call your local or state dental society.  Ask your sources these questions:  What do they like about the office?  What do they like about the dentist?
2. Start with a consultation.  During a consultation, talk to the dentist about services available to you and your family. 

Ask Questions:

1. Is the dentist a member of organized dentistry?  Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), American Dental Association (ADA), Utah Dental Association (UDA), etc.)
2. What is the dentist's commitment to continuing dental education?
3. What procedures will be referred out?
4. How does the dental team stay up-to-date with the latest procedures?
5. How are dental emergencies handled?

The Appointment

After you have selected the dentist and dental office that meets your expectations and your needs, set up an appointment for a general exam, which consists , x-rays and medical health history, oral exam and cancer screening. This visit may include Oral Hygiene (teeth cleaning).  This visit is your opportunity to decide if the dentist and dental team:

1. Are personable, patient and caring
2. Take time to answer your questions
3. Are considerate of your time and comfort
4. Demonstrate the professionalism you expect.

WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE AN AGD DENTIST FOR MY FAMILY AND ME?

Members that belong to AGD care about the long-term dental health for you and your family and demonstrate that concern by belonging to the AGD.  Members are dedicated to continuing education to help them stay up-to-date on the latest procedures to provide you and your family with guality treatment.  The general dentist who remains current in general dentistry is better able to offer you and your family a variety of diagnosis and treatment choices.