Who does what?

• Dental hygienists: Members of the dental staff who clean gums and teeth and teach patients how to maintain good oral health.

• Periodontists: Dentists who treat gum disease and place dental implants.

• Oral surgeons: Dentists who operate on your mouth and supporting tissues.

• Orthodontists: Dentists who straighten teeth and align jaws.

• Endodontists: Dentists who perform root canals. Root canal treatment is a dental procedure that replaces a tooth’s damaged or infected pulp with a filling. The pulp consists of specialised dental cells, blood vessels, tissue fibres and some nerve fibres located in the hollow space in the central part of the tooth.

• Prosthodontists: Dentists trained in restoring and replacing teeth.

What happens at a check up?

The dentist inspects each tooth using small instruments inserted into the mouth, including a mirror and a probe (a fine, pick-like tool). The dentist looks for problems such as decay or gum disease. If a suspected dental problem is difficult to see (for example, possible decay between two touching teeth), the dentist may take x-rays. If a dental problem is found, the dentist will explain the recommended treatment and give you an estimate of the cost and length of treatment. Most dental problems are scheduled for treatment at later appointments.

General questions to ask your dentist

You and your dentist are partners in maintaining your oral health. Take time to ask questions and take notes if that will help you remember your dentist’s advice.

1. How can I improve my dental health?
2. Should I change my toothpaste or floss more?
3. Should I use a fluoride rinse?
4. Is there an alternative treatment that I should consider as well?
5. How long will the procedure take and how many appointments are necessary?
6. What kind of anaesthesia is used, if any?
7. How much does it cost?
8. What experience have you with this procedure?
9. What should I expect after the procedure in terms of soreness, what to watch for, and any limitations?
10. Do you offer patient financing?

Victorian public dental agencies

Find an agency in metropolitan Melbourne [Refer metro table – file name]

Find an agency in regional Victoria [Refer regional table – file name]

10 tips for find a good dentist

1. ADA member
Look for a member of the Australian Dental Association (ADA). ADA Members agree to abide by a code of ethics and participate in on-going education.

2. Personal recommendation
Ask your friends, neighbours, co-workers, family doctor or previous dentist for their recommendation.

3. Location
Is the dentist located near your home or work? Will the surgery be convenient for you? Ask about the availability of after-hours emergency services.

4. Communication
Consider the friendliness and helpfulness of the dentist and his/her staff. Are they willing to answer your questions and readily provide information?

5. Cleanliness
Is the practice clean, tidy and hygienic? If you have questions on infection control are they answered? Are instruments sterilsed? Do staff wear gloves and masks, and offer you protective eyewear?

6. Respect
Does the dentist appreciate that your time is important, allowing, of course, for the unpredictability of some procedures, e.g. emergencies?

7. Medical history
Does the dentist take interest in your medical and dental history and listen to your concerns about having dental treatment?

8. Examination
Does the dentist examine all your teeth and your gums thoroughly and regularly?

9. Options and estimates for treatment
Does the dentist give you treatment options and explain them so that you understand? Does the dentist give you pre-treatment cost estimates and tell you of variations as they occur?

10. Shared planning
Does the dentist have a long-term view of your dental health, with a plan that you arrived at together, including seeing you regularly to help maintain optimal health?

References:

Queensland Government. (2008). Dental Emergencies. Brisbane: Queensland Health.

Better Health Channel, & Dental Health Services Victoria. (2009). Teeth care Retrieved 5/04/2009, from http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Teeth_care?OpenDocument

Dietz-Bourguignon, E. (1999). Dental Office Management. Clifton Park: Cengage Learning.