Dentistry
- This article is about the dental profession. For tooth care, see oral hygiene.
Dentistry is the art and science of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions, diseases, and disorders of the oral cavity, the maxillofacial region, and its associated structures as it relates to human beings. A dentist is a doctor qualified to treat diseases, malformations of, and injuries to teeth, the oral cavity, maxillofacial region and its assoicated structures. In most countries, several years of training in a university (usually 4-8) and some practical experience working with actual patients' dentition are required to become a qualified dentist. The patron saint of dentists is Saint Apollonia, martyred in Alexandria by having all her teeth violently extracted.
Specialties
There are nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association and require 2-6 years of further formal university training after dental school. The specialties are Dental Public Health (study of dental epidemiology and social health policies), Endodontics (root canal therapy), Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology (study, diagnosis, and often the treatment of oral and maxillofacial related diseases), Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (study and radiologic interpretation of oral and maxillofacial diseases), Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (extractions and facial surgery), Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics (straightening of teeth), Pedodontics (pediatric dentistry; i.e. dentistry for children), Periodontics (treatment of gum disease), Prosthodontics (replacement of missing facial anatomy by prostheses such as dentures, bridges and implants).
Specialists in these fields are designated registrable (U.S. "Board Eligible") and warrant exclusive titles such as orthodontist, oral surgeon, pedodontist, periodontist, or prosthodontist upon satisfying certain local (U.S. "Board Certified") registry requirements.
Two other post-graduate formal advanced education programs: General Practice Residency (advanced clinical and didactic training with intense hospital experience) and Advanced Education in General Dentistry (advanced training in clinical dentistry) recognized by the ADA do not lead to specialization.
Other dental education exists where no post-graduate formal university training is required: cosmetic dentistry, dental implant, temporo-mandibular joint therapy. These usually require the attendance of one or more continuing education courses that typically last for one to several days. There are restrictions on allowing these dentists to call themselves specialists in these fields. The specialist titles are registrable titles and controlled by the local dental licensing bodies.
Forensic odontology consists of the gathering and use of dental evidence in law. This may be performed by any dentist with experience or training in this field. The function of the forensic dentist is primarily documentation and verification of identity.
Geriatric dentistry or gerodontics is the delivery of dental care to older adults involving the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of problems associated with normal aging and age-related diseases as part of an interdisciplinary team with other health care professionals.
Veterinary dentistry, a specialty of veterinary medicine, is the field of dentistry applied to the care of animals [1][2].
History
In 2001 archaeologists studying the remains of two men from Mehrgarh, Pakistan, made the discovery that the people of Indus Valley Civilization, even from the early Harappan periods (c. 3300 B.C.E.), had knowledge of medicine and dentistry. The physical anthropologist that carried out the examinations, Professor Andrea Cucina from the University of Missouri-Columbia, made the discovery when he was cleaning the teeth from one of the men (see History of medicine). Later research in the same area found evidence of teeth having been drilled, dating back nine thousand years [3].
Some information contained in the Edwin Smith Papyrus dates as early as 3000 B.C.E. and includes the treatment of several dental ailments ([4] & [5]). Hammurabi's Code contains some references to dental procedures and fees.[6] The Ebers papyrus also discusses similar treatments ([7]). Examining the remains of some ancient Egyptians and Greco-Romans reveal early attempts at dental prosthetics and surgery ([8]).
Historically, dental extractions have been used to treat a variety of illnesses. During the middle ages and through the 19th century, dentistry was not a profession into itself, and often dental procedures were performed by barbers or general physicians. Barbers usually limited their practice to extracting teeth, which not only resulted in the alleviation of pain, but often cured a variety of ailments linked with chronic tooth infection. Instruments used for dental extractions date back several centuries. In the 14th century, Guy de Chauliac invented the dental pelican (resembling a pelican's beak) which was used through the late 18th century. The pelican was replaced by the dental key which, in turn, was replaced by modern forceps in the 20th century.
For more information on the ancient history of dentistry refer to the Indian Dental Association's History of Dentistry.
Dentistry throughout the world
Dentistry in Australia
In Australia, graduating dentists earn either a B.D.S. (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) or B.D.Sc (Bachelor of Dental Science) degree.
There are six (6) Dental schools in Australia run by universities;
- University of Adelaide
- Griffith University
- University of Melbourne
- University of Sydney
- University of Queensland
- University of Western Australia
Two Dental courses offered in Australia will be discussed below.
The BDSc taught at the University of Melbourne spans five years, pending an accumulation of both high school performance (Equivalent National Tertiary Entrance Rank (ENTER) score in Victoria or other national equivalent; International Bachelorette or any other International equivalent) and Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test (UMAT) scores. Clinical practice during the course begins during year one at the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne, adjacent to the main campus of the University (and also to the Royal Women's Hospital). The first three years are mainly theoretically based in the wider aspect of health sciences including anatomy, biology, chemistry, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology and neuroscience. Significant clinical experience is gained right up until the fifth and final year, which consists almost completely of clinical work. BDSc at MU
Also spanning five years, selection to the B.D.Sc offered by the University of Queensland (UQ) also combines high-school performance with UMAT scores. The first year is largely science based but includes some introduction to Dental practice. The next three years involves applied dental science (which involves theory and clinical practice). The final year consists almost wholly of external clinical experience, usually in regional placements around the state of Queensland.
Dentistry in Canada
Canadian dentistry is overseen by the Canadian Dental Association, while specialization is overseen by the Royal College of Dentists. Today, Canada has about 16,000 dentists. Canadian dentistry is not publicly run (see Medicare (Canada)); only children and the elderly can have free dental care. Other Canadians are mostly covered by workplace dental plans, but many have to pay out of pocket.
For most of the early colonial period dentistry was a rare and unusual practice in Canada. In severe situations, barbers or blacksmiths would pull a tooth, but for many years Canada lagged behind European advances. The first dentists in Canada were United Empire Loyalists who fled the American Revolution. The first recorded dentist in Canada was a Mr. Hume who advertised in a Halifax newspaper in 1814.
During the first half of the 19th century, dentistry expanded rapidly. In 1867 the Ontario Dental Association was formed and in 1868 they founded Canada's first dental school in Toronto, the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario. The University of Toronto agreed to be affiliated with the dental school. As time passed, other Canadian universities also created dentistry programmes. However, the University of Toronto still has the largest dental school in Canada that features the most post graduate research opportunities as well as certifications for all the dental specialties. The University of Toronto, Faculty of Dentistry is at the forefront of Canadian dental research as well as being the top ranked dental school in all of Canada as well as being among the best dental schools in the world.
Canadian dentistry schools
- University of Toronto (1868)
- McGill University (1905)
- Université de Montréal (1905)
- Dalhousie University (1908)
- University of Alberta (1923)
- University of Manitoba (1958)
- University of British Columbia (1964)
- University of Western Ontario (1966)
- University of Saskatchewan (1968)
- Université Laval (1971)
Dentistry in Chile
Universidad de Chile, Universidad de Valparaíso, Universidad de Concepción, Universidad de Talca, Universidad de Antofagasta, among others provides the profession in Chile.
Dentistry in Hong Kong
To become a dentist in Hong Kong, one must complete the 5-year B.D.S. course in The University of Hong Kong. Students learn basic health sciences, dental sciences under the Problem Based Learning policy. Besides, formal training and supervised practice are prescribed. It is accepted that only after 5 years of such training would the trainees achieve a superior level of professional competence.
Graduates can enter general practice or pursue a specialist M.D.S. degree after gaining one year of working experience.
Dentistry in India
Modern Indian dentists must earn the Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree (B.D.S.), which requires four years of study and one year of internship. This degree is overseen by the Dental Council of India. In most states, one has to appear for an entrance test conducted by the Directorate of Medical Education, whereas some autonomous universities conduct their own entrance tests.Post graduate courses (Master of Dental Surgery. MDS) are also available in different specialities.It requires 3 years of study after BDS.
Dentistry in Pakistan
At present there are upwards of 20 dental schools (public & private) throughout Pakistan, according to the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council the state regulatory body has upwards of 6200 registered dentists. The four year training culminates in achieveing a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree, which also requires a one year compulsary interneship to be a registered dentist in Pakistan. Margalla College Of Dentistry is an integral part of Margalla Insitute Of Health sciences, Rawalpindi pakistan. It offers 4 years BDS courses for Pakistani & all others students. The college has recently singned a MOU with QMUL London for launching a Master programme in Chemistry OF Dental Materials.
Dentistry in Slovakia
In Slovakia, dentists complete 6 years of undergraduate study to earn a MUDr (lat. Medicinae Universae Doctor) degree. Junior graduates work under a skilled doctor for at least 3 years to receive their license from The Slovak Chamber of Dentists.
Dentistry in the United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, dentists complete 5 years of undergraduate study to earn a B.D.S. or BChD degree. After graduating most dentists will enter a V.T. (vocational training) scheme, of either 1 or 2 years length, to receive their full National Health Service registration. Dentists must register with the G.D.C. (General Dental Council), and meet their requirements as the governing body of the profession, before being allowed to practice.
Dentistry in Malta
The first course leading to a degree in Dental Surgery, at the University of Malta, commenced in 1933. The qualification was recognized by the Medical Council of the United Kingdom in 1936.
Dental Surgery was established as a separate Faculty in 1954, previous to which the course was under the direction of a Board of Studies within the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery.
The Faculty now caters for an undergraduate intake of 8 students annually. The course of studies is under constant review to conform with the Directives and Recommendation of the Advisory Committee on the Training of Dental Practitioner of E.C..
The Faculty regularly invites overseas visiting lecturers and an overseas external examiner participates fully in the Final Examination. The degree granted by the University of Malta is recognised for temporary registration by the General Dental Council of United Kingdom. The Faculty provides facilities for M.Phil research programmes. A B.Ch.D Degree is awarded at the completion of the 5 year course.
- MADS - Malta Association of Dental Students MADS Official Website
Dentistry in the United States
In the United States, dentists earn either a D.D.S. (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or D.M.D.(Doctor of Dental Medicine) degree. There is no difference in the training for either degree. The degrees are equivalent, and recognized equally by all state boards of dentistry. There are 56 Accredited Dental schools in the United States requiring 4 years of post graduate study (except for one unique 3 year program at the University of the Pacific)[9]. Most applicants to dental school have attained at least a B.S. or B.A. degree, however, a small percentage are admitted after only fulfilling specific prerequisite courses. So unlike many other countries, it can take more than 8 years to become a dentist. (List of dental schools in the United States) The degrees D.D.S. and D.M.D. require equivalent education and are identical in every way. The difference relates to the history involved in the division of medicine and surgery in medical practice. There has been a recent movement to include a 5th year of education that focuses on purely practical training in the clinical setting. In at least one state, a state dental license can be received without taking the licensing exam (State Board Exam) upon completing this additional year of training. Dentists are licensed and regulated by the state in which they practice. The license is only valid in the issuing state and is non-transferable. There are many cooperative agreements between states that allow recognition of another state's license so as to procure a license either via "licensure by credentials" or "licensure by reciprocity."
A dentist may go on for further training in a dental specialty which require an additional 1 to 7 years of post-doctoral training. There are 9 recognized dental specialties. They are Endodontics(root canal treatment), Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics(gums), Prosthodontics(complicated dental reconstruction), Orthodontics(braces), Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery(tooth removal and surgery of the oral and related structures), and Dental Public Health. There is no specialty in esthetic dentistry or implantology, and no additional training is required for a dentist to make the claim of being an esthetic or cosmetic dentist. Dentists are forbidden to claim that they are specialists in areas of practice in which there is no recognized specialty. They may limit their practices to a single area of dentistry, and claim that their practice is limited to that area.
Any general dentist may perform those procedures designated within the enumerated specialties if they deem themselves competent. Many general dentists train in certain aspects of the above specialties such as the placement and restoration of dental implants, advanced prosthodontics and endodontics, and have limited or heavily focused their practices to these areas. When a general dentist performs any procedure that falls within the realm of a specialty, they are expected to perform with the same level of expertise as a certified specialist and are legally held to such standards with respect to any issues of malpractice.
Dentistry in Italy
In Italy dentists complete 5 years of undergraduate study to earn a degree. Nevertheless it is possible to agree on certain basic clinical competences common to all member states of the European Union.
The following is an example of one such clinical competency (excision of a buried tooth root): If a clinician is deemed to be clinically competent in the surgical removal of a buried root, this implies much more than the technical and surgical ability required to excise a buried piece of root from alveolus. It embraces a broad range of preclinical and clinical knowledge and understanding on which surgical treatment is based.
Italian dentistry schools
- University of Bologna(1088)
Related dental topics
- Category:Dentistry
- Bruxism
- Calculus
- Ceramics
- Crown
- dental amalgam
- Dental brace
- Dental cavities
- Dental extraction
- Dentine
- Dental restoration
- Floss
- Fluoridation
- Gingivitis
- Halitosis
- Dental implants
- Laboratory technology
- Mouthwash
- Novocain, a Local anesthetic
- Occlusion
- Patron Saint of dentistry (Saint Apollonia)
- Periodontitis
- Plaque
- Plaque remover
- Regenerative dentistry
- Teledentistry
- Temporomandibular joint disease
- Tooth
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Waterpik
- Xerostomia
Organizations
United States
- American Dental Education Association [10]
- American Dental Association
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry [11]
- Academy of General Dentistry [12]
- American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
- American Association of Orthodontists
- American College of Prosthodonists [13]
United Kingdom
- British Dental Association
- British Dental Health Foundation [14]
- The British Society of Paediatric Dentistry [15]
Canada
- Canadian Dental Association
- Royal College of Dentists
Miscellaneous
- Malta Association of Dental Students [16]
- American Veterinary Dental College [17]
- European Veterinary Dental College [18]
External links
- Ask Dr Spiller - Dental technical information for the public
- AllExperts.com Ask the dental experts
- Dental Phobia Self-Help
- Dental Discussion Forum
- Dental Insurance Alternatives
- Dentistry News and Resources
- Dentists from the Bureau of Labor Statistics's Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Journal of Indian Prosthodontic Society
- Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry
| Dentistry |
| Recognized Specialties |
|
Endodontics - Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology - Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology - Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery - Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics - Pediatric Dentistry - Periodontics - Prosthodontics - Dental public health |
| Unrecognized Specialties |
|
Cosmetic Dentistry - Dental Implantology - Temporomandibular Joint Disorder - Geriatric dentistry |
| Other |
|
Forensic Odontology |
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