Pediatric Dentistry-The Best of Both Worlds
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, the old saying goes. While many people believe this adage, very few practice it. When children receive their primary teeth, most are well formed. Through neglect and improper care as children become adults, problem teeth and other health issues (such as heart disease and strokes) can result.
Pediatric dentistry is the best of both worlds. The focus of this specialty dentistry is on preventing decay in children and adolescents, teaching proper habits, educating parents and hopefully encouraging patients to become adults with good oral hygiene. A person who loves all things medical but also enjoys the freedom and fun of treating children will find pediatric dentistry very rewarding. If you want to get started, online schools such as American Intercontinental University can definitely put you on the right path. Many undergraduate classes are offered online and this flexibility allows you to continue working and take classes from your home at your own pace.
Becoming a pediatric dentist is a serious endeavor requiring admissions tests and or examinations, at least three years of undergraduate studies, four years of dental school, and a two year residency. Future dentists also study child psychology to better understand their patients. But the rewards make the endeavor worthwhile. Health care professionals are highly sought after. In an age of financial recessions and loss of job security, becoming highly skilled is the best way to not only survive hard times but to even thrive in the midst of them.
Helping Children Feel Calm at the Dentist Office
Cover of A Visit to the Dentist (Little Bill)
It’s not uncommon for people to feel anxious at the dentist. Sometimes one bad experience puts a patient off from keeping regular visits. Younger people in particular are more likely to feel nervous in the dental chair. Let’s take a look at simple ways to help keep children calm about visiting the dentist.
When your youngster is in line for a photo with Santa, there’s always a few children who are dead set against climbing up and sitting camera ready without a fight. If Santa doesn’t stand a chance, the masked adult with the tiny drill can’t be expected to do better. Their dental fears may seem to stem from an unreasonable source. However, being afraid of a monster in the closet or a basic tooth cleaning is overwhelming from the position of a young child.
Have a talk with your child and see what makes them feel anxious about their visit. By giving your child a moment to explain their reasons behind the anxiety, you can proceed best from there. Try a practice run by “playing dentist” with your little one to help them ease into a more comfortable state of mind. Take turns being the patient. If they can see that you are comfortable, it will help ease their own apprehension. Have a book on hand to read about kids visiting the dentist or purchase a toy dental kit.
Sit in on their visit. Children will feel reassured with a parent by their side. Finding a pediatric dentist that they can feel comfortable with is the foundation for many stress-free visits to come.
6 Best Videos on Dental Care
Words are not enough—you want to see the best on dental care, see what prevention techniques you should incorporate, how young you should get your child brushing her teeth, how best to save money on your next dental bill.
Good news.
These videos in dental care will help:
- Learn How to “Keep your Teeth & Gums Healthy” from Carol, a registered dental hygienist, at YouTube.com.
- Do you brush your teeth too hard? How long should you brush? How can you break bad habits? Learn what NOT to do when it comes to your teeth from this ABC News Video and interview: abcnews.go.com.
- Get the latest on “Dental Care Tips for Kids” by watching an informative ehow.com video. A mother shows you tips and tricks to help keep your kids teeth clean.
- How do you get dental care without dental insurance? This YouTube video shows you how the “America’s Dentists Care Foundation” helps out those who can’t afford it. To find out when the next “event” will be, go to adcfmom.org.
- Learn how to floss the right way at: monkeysee.com. Learn about the different types of flosses and which is best for you.
- This YouTube video discusses “How to Heal Lip Sores,” from Michelle, a dental assistant.
Because dental care is important for young and old alike, it’s a good idea to get all the facts and helps you can to make your teeth healthier as well as giving you the edge to make your next visit to the dentist as short and as painless as possible.
New Technology in Dentistry
What’s new in dental technology? From no pain to less time in the chair, discover what’s happening in the world of dentistry today.
- Chart Digitization. No more paper to organize. Chart digitization also helps offices stay earth-friendly.
- Dental Lasers. Sure beats the drill! Experts say that the laser will “reduce bleeding, risk of infection and discomfort, and allow for faster healing and speedier procedures.” Something we all want. Check out the details here: http://www.allbusiness.com/technology/884966-1.html.
- Dental Implants. No more dentures! The thought was a dream once but now has become a reality. Replace not only the crown but the root.
- Digital X-rays in 3D. See it all at every angle and with every detail imaginable. Transfer the data to a video monitor and view your teeth in all of its glory inside the examination room. Digital x-rays also admit 90% less radiation.
- DIAGNOdent Decay Detection. Find out if you have cavities quickly using this laser instrument that checks your teeth pain free.
- Healozone. No injection, the stuff (Ozone) takes care of your early tooth decay in one zap. Read the article here: http://www.dentalfearcentral.org/fun_dentistry.html.
- Invisalign. Invisible braces! Amazing! Straighten teeth without the railroad tracks. Or, if you want to be daring, choose a color.
- OraVerse reverses numbness following your exam. No more numb lips!
- Ultrasonic Dental Cleaning takes care of stains, bacteria and plaque buildup with no scraping or pain.
- VELscope helps your dentist to “visualize abnormalities in the mucosal tissues of your lips, mouth and upper throat,” states the VELscope website. Doctors can see your overall oral health in less than 2 minutes.
- Waterlase uses water and laser for dentistry procedures. It is “more comfortable” “more convenient” and “more precise” states laserdentistry.com.
New technology is truly a wonder. What more could a patient want than greater comfort, no pain and even more time in a busy day to do what they really want?
Best Dentistry Blogs for Patients
You need some help but you’re not ready to call the dentist—yet. What can you do minimize tooth pain, get rid of swollen gums, and keep your breath fresh?
These blogs will help you before you decide to make that needed trip to the dentist.
- The “Dental Hygiene Blog” helps you to better understand bad breath, tooth decay, gum disease, lip lesions and more. Why do you have yellow teeth, for example? And what can you do about wisdom teeth pain? http://www.sanedentist.com/common-dental-problems/.
- Think a natural remedy might work to solve your tooth pain? Try “Christiana’s Home Remedies.” Tooth abscess? Gum boil? Christina may be able to help you. Additional information on allergies, acne, and depression is also offered on this blog. http://www.christinas-home-remedies.com/tooth-abscess.html.
- Get as close to the real thing without stepping into the office when it comes to dental care on this blog. The “Dental Health Site” assists you with everything from bad breath and canker sores to problems with yellow teeth. Get the latest information on oral thrush, plaque and tartar and tooth decay. http://www.dentalhealthsite.com/.
- “Smile Again Dental Blog” takes the cake or at least, the carrot, when it comes to great information. Learn more about cold sores, orthodontic treatment, toothbrush use, dental implants and more on this blog. “Smile Again Dental” is more about giving you information to help your oral health, and less on trying to get you to come into their office—unless, of course, it’s time.
After reading one or more of the above blogs, you may decide you can’t “wait” to see the dentist, though your legs and heart may be telling you otherwise. The good news is that you can help yourself with many of the issues at hand before making that needed trip.
Best Dentistry Blogs for Dentists
You’re a dentist. And whether you enjoy oral surgery or orthodontic care, these blogs will assist you in not only creating a more interesting practice, but better service for the patients you count on.
Here’s the list:
- Dental Blogs.com provides dentists with the latest dental related news, management tips, even ideas on how to Tweet. Get the latest on procedures, products, and business trip ideas. Review podcasts, video, and subscribe to the RSS feed. http://www.dentalblogs.com/
- Dentistry’s Business Secrets. Learn the secrets of a profitable and service worthy business. Get the grit on attracting new patients, dental oriented reviews, events and marketing. Get a Google Placement Local Listing and see patient numbers increase. http://www.dentistrysbusinesssecrets.com/.
- Are you a pediatric dentist? Then you’ll want to check out this Pediatric Dentistry blog written by Dr. Dean Brandon, pediatric dentist. Learn more about fluoride water, braces, medblogging, and more. Hundreds of topics on this great blog. http://cyberdentist.blogspot.com/.
- Modern Dental Marketing does what it says; helps you with the ins and outs of marketing to see more customers through the creation of an outstanding dental blog, logo, or newsletter. Get some help from Modern Dental Marketing or read the blog to discover what you can do on your own to improve the visual appeal of your business. http://moderndentalmarketing.com/tag/dentistry-blogs/.
- Are you interested in endodontics? You’ll not want to miss this blog. “The Endo Blog” assists dentists regarding clinical practices. Endo has room for education as well as discussion. Be a part of their discussion forum and discuss your interests in treatment and research. http://www.theendoblog.com/.
- The Digital Dentist speaks to dentists interested in upgrading their technology systems. Learn about the free “Dental Care Finder,” free webinars, and more. http://thedigitaldentist.blogspot.com/.
Being a great dentist means more today than being able to handle the tools of the trade. One must keep informed of the latest developments in technology as well as know how to use technology to improve and grow their business. Make a decision to make a change today by perusing a few of these blogs.
Best Careers in Dentistry
Image via Wikipedia
What are the best careers in dentistry? What do they pay? How do you know what dentistry niche is right for you?
These ideas will help:
- Dental Assistant’s provide care for patients; are involved in office and lab duties. Training is obtained from dental assisting programs and is offered in community and junior colleges and trade schools. The median pay rage for dental assistants is $33,230 a year.
- Dental Hygienist’s usually work as part of a team and look for problems within the mouth including gum disease, cavities, and oral cancer. Professional cleaning is also provided by a dental hygienist. Training is offered through community and career colleges. The average pay for a hygienist is about $30,000 per year.
- Dental Technician’s or Lab Technician’s build prostheses’ for patients. Work with dental appliances in reconstruction and repair. Create crowns, partial dentures or bridges. Training is offered through dental lab technician programs. Get a degree from a community college or a bachelor’s degree from a university. The average pay for a dental lab technician is between 30,000 and 40,000 per year.
- Oral Surgeon’s take care of defects, injuries and diseases of the mouth. Four years of dental school must be completed as well as four years of surgical hospital residency to become an oral surgeon. Oral surgeon’s make over $260,000 a year.
- Orthodontist’s take care of irregular teeth in relationship to the patient’s jaw. Orthodontist’s attend dental school, receive a bachelor’s as well as a doctorate degree. A post-doctoral orthodontics program must be completed as well as clinical rotations, or work experience. The median salary for an orthodontist is $142,870 a year.
Other careers in dentistry include pariodontistry, (working with the gums, bone, tongue and cheeks) as well as pediatric dentistry (working with children). Often, through study in your chosen college, university or dental program, you will discover your niche in dentistry—and that’s when you need to take a closer look.
Dental Anxiety
The fact is people are afraid to go to the Dentist. Many people become so anxious before going to the Dentist they end up canceling the appointment. Many people are afraid of the dental care and some people are just afraid of the Dentist.
Almost 75 percent of people admit they feel some anxiety before and during dental visits. About 20 percent of these people only visit the Dentist only when it is absolutely necessary. In addition, 5 percent are so terrified they do not visit the dentist at all. They absolutely refuse to get dental treatment, even if they are experiencing pain.
There are numerous reasons why people experience dental anxiety. For many, it was due to an unpleasant experience. A person may have visited a Dentist that was not pleasant or a Dental Hygienist that may have caused pain during a teeth cleaning. Many have developed the anxiety during childhood. For children going to the dentist can be scary and this fear continues through adulthood.
Many people are embarrassed by their teeth or the condition of their teeth. They often avoid going to the Dentist because they feel they may be judged for their poor dental hygiene. Some Dentists may be overzealous in telling someone they are not taking care of their teeth properly and it leaves the person feeling ashamed or embarrassed.
Today, many Dentists understand that most people are anxious about visiting the Dentist. Many dental offices have made tremendous efforts to make patients feel more comfortable. Dentists truly want to help patients take care of their teeth and many put forth an effort to be warm and caring.
Millions of Americans avoid going to the Dentist. Overcoming dental anxiety is difficult. Most people will find if they just take that first step to visit a Dentist, that times have changed and there experience will be pleasant.
The Soft Bristle Requirement
There’s blood in the sink — you stare, surprised, wondering what the cause could be. Your teeth didn’t slip against your tongue. There are no ulcers that could’ve opened (and that still stuns you, reminds how fortunate you’ve been not to have the stress of your career manifest in your mouth). There is not even a trace of Gingivitis. Your dentist has offered proof of your good health, has assured you always that there is no concern to find.
And so you peek into a mirror, examining your lips, trying to discover what is wrong. That discovery is a quick one, though. Because there are flecks of blood along your gum-line, little openings, tender. The skin has been cut — and the culprit is your toothbrush.
It seems like an impossible thing. The intention of a brush, after all, is to protect teeth, to ensure no dental problems occur. But the hard bristles (so unyielding) claw at your gums, causing instant damage and a variety of troubles: such as tearing, recessions, sores and swelling.
All of these complications can be easily avoided, however — you simply must choose the right tool.
Be certain the item is clearly marked as soft. The title should be available on the packaging. If not, ask for assistance. Once a purchase has been made take time to test the bristles. Drag them against your fingers before placing them into your mouth. If they bend with ease, they should be acceptable. If they offer resistance, they will only hurt. Make sure they move appropriately.
Using the softer alternatives will enable you to scrub your teeth as needed — without irritating your gums. The sores will disappear and the bleeding will stop. Should you be unsure of which brush to purchase, however, contact your dentist and ask for recommendations. He will offer the best choices and help you to reduce all problems.
Soft bristles, quick relief: that’s the philosophy you must remember.
Early Exposure: Dentistry
A scream greets the morning, rising sharp within a room: your child is clinging to his bed, tiny hands wrapped tight around the headboard — strong as steel and just as unrelenting. You would marvel at this if it wasn’t being used to spite you. And you tug again at a waist, trying to force your son to relinquish his hold. But he’s proving far too stubborn, shrieking his denials. The sound is nearly deafening in its refusal, its defiance, its fear. And your attempts to soothe his panic are lost within the wailing. They can’t be heard. They can’t be understood.
They wouldn’t have been needed at all, however, if you had simply scheduled an appointment earlier.
Visits to the dentist are a necessity — you know this, have dedicated the proper time to seeking check-ups and advice, to following the rules of health care. You haven’t been so thorough with your child, however. His teeth have been ignored, with all efforts given instead to seeking fairies and their dollars. There has been no concern for cavities. There has been no worry of plaque. You assumed such things would require years to develop, knew all appointments could be made later on.
This was a mistake.
Because your child has now become aware of the rumors, the playground horrors of needles. He is terrified to seek a dentist and you can’t convince him that the experience will be easy. He’s certain instead that you’re dragging him to his doom (and such theatricality is difficult to combat).
Parents must expose their sons and daughters to dentistry at an early age. Don’t hesitate, believing visits to be without merit. Even if no obvious health concerns have appeared within teeth, the simple action of meeting with a doctor will make it understood — and familiar. There will be no fear therefore. Children will instead be placated.
And you will then be spared the inconvenience (and embarrassment) of screams.