According to the American Dental Association (ADA), over two hundred thousand dentists were practicing in the US as of 2023.
This signifies that dental professionals hold an influential place in healthcare. Yet, regardless of the significance of the profession, people often ask the question: Are dentists doctors?
Dentistry is an important field that aims to maintain oral health. Yet, there is still confusion about whether a dentist is also a doctor.
Yes, dentists are doctors, but their area of expertise is different from that of medical doctors.
In this article, we will discuss much more about the difference between education, training, and the scope of dentistry and medical doctors.
What is a Dentist?
A dentist is a health professional specializing in diagnosing, preventing, and treating diseases or conditions associated with the oral cavity. This encompasses everything from routine cleaning and filling to root canals, orthodontic treatments, and other complicated procedures.
Apart from the technical stuff they do, they also educate people on caring for their teeth and gum health. This awareness later helps people avoid common dental problems like caries and gum diseases.
So, the next time you need a check-up or have a toothache, you should see a dentist. They are well-prepared and knowledgeable about all your dental needs.
Education and Training: Dentist vs Doctor
Like medical doctors, dentists undergo arduous education and training. However, as mentioned before, the scope of their study is much different from one another.
Dentists usually complete a four-year undergraduate program, followed by four years in dental graduate school, where they complete a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. This specialized education covers oral anatomy, dental procedures, and patient care.
The initial four years of undergraduate education for a medical doctor, or MD, are somewhat similar. However, after that, they attend four years of medical school. Following that is a residency program that will last anywhere from three to seven years, depending on the specialty.
Medical school provides for a detailed study of the human body, and doctors can diagnose and treat various conditions.
The Difference in the Scope of Practice
Due to the nature of their training, dentists and medical doctors have a rather different scope of practice.
Dentists restrict their work solely to matters of oral health. Among several others, a few of the standard procedures dentists are known to perform include,
- Dental fillings
- Crowns and Bridges
- Tooth extractions
- Tooth restoration
- Braces and Aligners
- Dental Implants
Dentists are also quite skilled at performing non-therapeutic procedures with cosmetic goals, such as whitening teeth and applying veneers. These procedures can significantly enhance a person’s appearance and boost their confidence level. Dentists play a critical role in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders and diseases affecting the mouth, teeth, and gums.
In contrast, medical doctors can treat a host of health issues, from infections to chronic diseases and surgical interventions. They can specialize in cardiology, neurology, general practice, or any of many other specialties. There are tons of medical specialties to choose from.
Both professions doubtlessly require extensive education and expertise; the main line of demarcation lies in their fields of attention. A dentist’s day-to-day work is focused on oral health, while a doctor’s focuses on the whole body.
When to See a Dentist vs. a Doctor
Knowing when to see a dentist rather than a medical doctor can save one a lot of problems in getting the right care. Dentists are better at treating toothaches, cavities, gum problems, and cosmetic complaints like teeth whitening.
They have special training to diagnose and treat disorders and problems connected with oral health. This would also involve regular trips to a dentist for precautionary measures, such as cleanings and check-ups, which prevent more serious issues from developing in the future.
Conversely, medical doctors are consulted for many issues and concerns that have nothing to do with oral health. Chest pain, chronic illness, or any other issues that are medical but not dental are better left to a medical doctor.
They can diagnose and treat a variety of conditions that work with different systems within the human body and provide comprehensive care for their patients.
Although dentists and doctors most of the time have two entirely different specializations, there are times when they do cross over, particularly in some cases where oral health has to do with the general health of a person, such as maintaining diabetes or even heart disease, for instance.
Debunking Myths Related to Dentists
The common myth is that dentists are not “real” doctors. Well, this simply is not true. Dentists are fully qualified health professionals holding a doctoral degree in dental surgery or dental medicine.
They have been trained in diagnosing and treating a wide range of dental-related disorders, which sometimes affect overall health.
For example, untreated gum disease has a direct relation to cardiovascular illness, and even cancer, so a dentist plays an important part in the general health of the human body.
FAQs.
Are all Dentists Doctors?
Yes, dentists are doctors. However, their domain of expertise is restricted to the mouth and other associated areas, like teeth. Dentists are conferred a DDS or DMD degree.
What type of degree do dentists have?
The time it takes to become a dentist is four years of undergraduate studies, after which they pursue four years of dental school, where they achieve a degree in DDS/DMD. The education they receive at this level allows them to diagnose and treat all conditions concerning teeth and other associated factors of oral health.
Do dentists go to medical school?
No, dentists attend dental school, which focuses on oral health and the practice of dentistry. The schooling is different from what physicians receive in medical school.
Can dentists prescribe medication?
Yes. Dentists can prescribe medications that pertain to dental treatment, like an antibiotic or a pain reliever.
Can dentists do the same tasks as medical doctors?
Although dentists are excellent professionals in oral health, their scope is limited only to the diagnosis and treatment of non-dental medical conditions. This distinction is important for patients to understand to seek appropriate care for a particular health need.
Why is oral health important?
Oral health is important because it has implications for one’s overall health. For instance, gum disease is linked to heart disease and diabetes, among other systemic diseases.
The Bottom Line
Dentists and medical doctors are both vital to our health, but each has different roles. While dentists specialize in problems regarding teeth, mouth, and gums, doctors are associated with general health issues in the body.
You should know when you need to see a doctor or a dentist so that you get the proper care that will benefit you the most. However, one thing should never be neglected. Good oral health is a part of good overall health, and the best way to achieve that is through regular visits to the dentist.
