Dentistry involves diagnosing, preventing, and treating various oral health issues, encompassing a range of surgical procedures utilizing medical techniques. These procedures range from minor interventions like scaling and restoration (filling) to more extensive treatments such as root canal therapy, implants, bridges, and gingivectomy. Dentistry comprises several specialized departments, including Pedodontics, Oral Pathology, Oral Medicine and Radiology, Dental Materials, Dental Anatomy, Oral Histology, and Community Dentistry.
Objectives:
Oral health promotion and education: Educating patients and the community about oral hygiene practices, preventive measures, and the importance of regular dental check-ups to maintain optimal oral health.
Diagnosis and treatment: Providing accurate diagnosis and comprehensive treatment for various oral health conditions, including dental caries, periodontal diseases, malocclusion, and oral infections.
Preventive dentistry: Implementing preventive measures such as fluoride application, dental sealants, and oral prophylaxis to prevent the onset or progression of dental diseases.
Restorative dentistry: Restoring the function and aesthetics of teeth affected by decay, trauma, or wear through procedures like fillings, crowns, bridges, and implants.
Endodontics: Performing root canal therapy to treat infections and save damaged or diseased teeth from extraction.
Periodontics: Managing gum diseases and disorders of the supporting structures of the teeth through treatments like scaling, root planing, and periodontal surgery.
Orthodontics: Correcting misaligned teeth and jaws to improve occlusion, function, and aesthetics using braces, aligners, and other orthodontic appliances.
Oral and maxillofacial surgery: Performing surgical procedures to treat conditions of the mouth, jaws, and related structures, including extractions, jaw realignment, and corrective jaw surgery.
Prosthodontics: Rehabilitating missing or damaged teeth with prosthetic devices such as dentures, bridges, and implants to restore function and aesthetics.
Research and innovation: Engaging in research activities to advance dental science, develop new treatment modalities, and improve patient care outcomes.
Community outreach: Participating in community dental health programs, screenings, and outreach initiatives to promote oral health and provide dental care to underserved populations.
Continuing education: Continuing professional development through ongoing training, workshops, and seminars to stay updated with the latest advancements in dentistry and deliver high-quality care to patients.