A dentist is a trained healthcare professional who specializes in oral health and helps care for the teeth and mouth
. They promote good dental hygiene, diagnose and treat problems of the gums, teeth, and mouth, and use modern technology and equipment like X-ray machines, lasers, drills, brushes, scalpels, and other medical tools when performing dental procedures
. Some common tasks of a dentist include teaching people about dental hygiene, filling cavities, removing buildup or decay from teeth, repairing or removing damaged teeth, reviewing X-rays and diagnostics, giving anesthesia, putting in fillings or sealants, and checking the growth of teeth and jawbones
. Dentistry requires a team approach, and the dentist is the leader, working with dental assistants, hygienists, and lab technicians to ensure that people get quality dental care
. To become a dentist, one must complete an undergraduate program in a related field like biology, chemistry, health, or math, and earn a bachelor of science degree, followed by four years of focused training in an accredited dental school
