Getting the Best Care from a Qualified DDS in Sacramento, Elk Grove, Greenhaven and Pocket

A DDS is a doctorate of dental surgery. A similar degree, depending upon the school is a DMD ( Doctor of Dental Medicine). It takes extra training beyond college to be a DDS or DMD. You want to be sure when you need dental care that you choose the right DDS or DMD.

Learn more about Sacramento DDS

Schooling of a DDS

A DDS has graduated from dental school, but has not yet been licensed.. Dental school then requires 4 years of education. In dental school the student will learn basic science and then start doing clinical work. This gives the dentist hands on experience before they go out in their own practice.

Once schooling is complete the student must pass a licensing exam. Dentist cannot practice outside of a school setting, until they are licensed. To become a specialist a dentist must attend additional schooling. A DDS may also be required to pass other exams to become board certified.

There are nine recognized specialties in the dental field. They are: (from the ADA)

Dental Public Health: Dental public health is the science and art of preventing and controlling dental diseases and promoting dental health through organized community efforts. It is that form of dental practice which serves the community as a patient rather than the individual. It is concerned with the dental health education of the public, with applied dental research, and with the administration of group dental care programs as well as the prevention and control of dental diseases on a community basis. (Adopted May 1976)
Endodontics: Endodontics is the branch of dentistry which is concerned with the morphology, physiology and pathology of the human dental pulp and periradicular tissues. Its study and practice encompass the basic and clinical sciences including biology of the normal pulp, the etiology, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases and injuries of the pulp and associated periradicular conditions. (Adopted December 1983)
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology: Oral pathology is the specialty of dentistry and discipline of pathology that deals with the nature, identification, and management of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions. It is a science that investigates the causes, processes, and effects of these diseases. The practice of oral pathology includes research and diagnosis of diseases using clinical, radiographic, microscopic, biochemical, or other examinations. (Adopted May 1991)
Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology: Oral and maxillofacial radiology is the specialty of dentistry and discipline of radiology concerned with the production and interpretation of images and data produced by all modalities of radiant energy that are used for the diagnosis and management of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral and maxillofacial region. (Adopted April 2001) Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Oral and maxillofacial surgery is the specialty of dentistry which includes the diagnosis, surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries and defects involving both the functional and esthetic aspects of the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region. (Adopted October 1990)
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics: Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics is the dental specialty that includes the diagnosis, prevention, interception, and correction of malocclusion, as well as neuromuscular and skeletal abnormalities of the developing or mature orofacial structures. (Adopted April 2003)
Pediatric Dentistry: Pediatric Dentistry is an age-defined specialty that provides both primary and comprehensive preventive and therapeutic oral health care for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health care needs. (Adopted 1995)
Periodontics: Periodontics is that specialty of dentistry which encompasses the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth or their substitutes and the maintenance of the health, function and esthetics of these structures and tissues. (Adopted December 1992)
Prosthodontics: Prosthodontics is the dental specialty pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues using biocompatible substitutes. (Adopted April 2003)

Signs of a Good Doctor

One of the first things you should consider when choosing a dentist for your family is the dentist's education. In order to be a dentist a person has to complete training and get an undergraduate degree. They must also pass the Dental Admission Test and complete a dental school program and state board exam. Licensed dentists are also required to continue training throughout their career, to be sure they are up to date with their knowledge. Specialists need further education in their area of specialty.

When you are choosing a DDS in Sacramento, Elk Grove, Greenhaven or Pocket you should look for several things that are good signs that he is a good dentist. Here are some tips for spotting a good dentist that you want to check out:

A good dentist will show personal interest in you and do everything possible to make you feel comfortable and keep you informed.
A good dentist will have all the necessary equipment to ensure that he can provide you with the best care.
A good dentist will make sure his staff is respectful and well trained.
A good dentist will work with you to keep your dental health in good form.

You may be weary of dentists who are see too many patients. Dentists who have too many patients at one time may lack the focus to really pay the attention to you that you desire. Additionally, you should expect to be treated like a person and not just another mouth.

How to Make your Choice in a DDS

Making the right choice in a DDS involves just being careful and taking time. You should look at a few different dentists in the Sacramento, Elk Grove, Greenhaven and Pocket area before making your choice. Be sure that you ask questions and get all the information you need to make an informed decision.

You should even keep evaluating the dentist after you start visiting. You always want to be satisfied. If you ever have a problem you should expect to be handled fairly. Speak to your dentist or his staff, they may not even be aware of the problem until you bring it to their attention. All good dentists want happy patients. If you ever feel unhappy you have the right to switch to a DDS that can offer you the service you expect.