According to the American Dental Association, general dentistry involves the diagnosis, treatment and management of a person’s overall oral health needs. General dentistry often includes procedures like teeth cleaning, dental crowns, filling and veneers, root canals as well as gum care and preventative education, among others.

Dentists who are in the field of general dentistry are often trained in (almost) all types of dental procedures – from the simplest ones such as routine oral exams and teeth cleanings to the more complex procedures like oral surgery and dental implants. General dentists also provide home care instructions to patients as well as nutrition counseling when needed.

General dentists are the main providers of dental care to people of all ages.

At a routine visit to your family dentist, you will probably have a thorough examination of your mouth (including teeth, gums, and other structures), a professional cleaning, and a discussion about your dental (and overall) health. If your exam reveals the presence of tooth decay, you will probably also have a filling in the affected tooth. Yet these procedures, while common, are hardly the only services your general dentist provides.

Those who practice general dentistry make up majority of dental health professionals in the US.

Compared to other dentists who choose pursue their own field of specialization, general dentists can immediately start their practice after graduation [either as Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)] and simultaneously taking a licensure exam required be their state in which they choose to practice.

Complete exams, x-rays, and dental cleanings.

Fillings, root canals, and extractions.

Cosmetic dentistry, such as whitening, porcelain and composite veneers. Implants – placement and restoration.

General dentists prevent, evaluate, diagnose, and treat diseases of the oral cavity, as well as maintain the function and appearance of the teeth.

Many oral diseases and abnormalities can indicate other diseases.

A general dentist may refer patients to their physician or a specialist for further evaluation, or vice versa for treatment.

Qualifications of General Dentists
Dentistry is a “hands-on” practice. The profession requires four years of highly accredited education after completing a bachelor’s degree. This intensive education allows general dentists to gain dexterity, skills in performing tasks with their hands, as well as in-depth scientific knowledge about the field.

General dentists also specialize in procedures based on their individual skills and current needs of patients.