- Home
- Parents Home
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- A to Z Dictionary
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Flu Center
- Heart Health
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Diseases & Conditions
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- School & Family Life
- Pregnancy Center
- Newborn Center
- Q&A
- Recipes
- Sports Medicine Center
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Videos
- Para Padres
- Home
- Kids Home
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Movies & More
- Diabetes Center
- Getting Help
- Feelings
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Health Problems
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes & Cooking
- Staying Healthy
- Stay Safe Center
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Q&A
- Heart Center
- Videos
- Staying Safe
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Para Niños
- Home
- Teens Home
- Asthma Center
- Be Your Best Self Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sexual Health
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos
- Your Body
- Your Mind
- Para Adolescentes
Health Care Providers: Dentists
What Is Dentistry?
Dentistry (DEN-teh-stree) is the medical care that prevents and treats diseases and conditions affecting the mouth and teeth.
What Is a Dentist?
A dentist is a doctor who studies, diagnoses, and treats mouth and teeth conditions. They also help people maintain good oral care.
Why Would Someone Need One?
Dentists help people take good care of their mouth and teeth. When problems happen, they can diagnose and treat them. These include:
- cavities
- tooth abscess
- tooth decay
- gum disease
- a broken or cracked tooth
- injuries of the mouth or teeth
They can provide:
- routine dental cleanings
- emergency treatment for tooth and mouth injuries
For painful procedures, dentists give medicine with a small needle to numb the area. Some dentists use sedation to make people sleepy and not feel pain during procedures.
What Is Their Training?
A dentist's training usually includes:
- 4 years of pre-dental education at a college or university
- 4 years of dental school (a DDS degree)
After college and dental school, they can do a residency in a specialty such as pediatric dentistry or dental anesthesia.
Good to Know
Getting regular cleanings and care from your dentist helps your child's teeth stay healthy. If you need help to pay for dental care, visit hhs.gov.
- Keeping Your Child's Teeth Healthy
- Bruxism (Teeth Grinding or Clenching)
- How Do I Care for My Baby's Teeth?
- What to Do About Teeth Injuries
- What Are Tooth Preservation Kits?
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995- The Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth® is a registered trademark of The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.