A Dentist is a specialized practitioner who works upon your mouth, identifying and treating dental problems that can impact the rest of your health. They perform routine exams, cleanings, and x-rays and provide advice on good oral hygiene practices.
A great dentist will follow up with you after a procedure and promotes regular checkups to catch dental issues early before they become serious. They should be transparent and avoid condescending or lecturing tones.
Oral Hygiene
The best way to prevent dental disease and bad breath is through good oral hygiene. This is accomplished by regularly brushing and flossing, as well as visiting the dentist for cleanings, X-rays and exams.
If you don’t have great oral health, your risk for cavities and gum disease increases significantly. In fact, poor oral health has been linked to a variety of diseases and conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and stroke.
Good oral hygiene starts at home, with regular brushing and flossing using a fluoride toothpaste and floss. Avoiding sugary and acidic foods and drinks is also key. If you do need to use a mouthwash, look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance to ensure it’s safe and effective. Dental hygienists can help patients with their oral care routines and may suggest products to support a healthy mouth. Many schools have clinics where students can receive supervised, low-cost care from qualified dental hygienists. This is a great option for those with limited incomes who are struggling to afford dental care.
Treatment
Dentists evaluate and treat diseases of the mouth and teeth. They use visual exams and imaging techniques, including X-rays. They perform a wide range of restorative procedures, such as fillings, root canals, crowns and dental implants. They also educate patients about good oral hygiene and help them develop healthy habits.
Like all healthcare professionals, dentists must maintain a high level of professionalism to avoid malpractice lawsuits and professional liability claims. This requires a strong sense of ethics, a keen eye for detail and comprehensive medical understanding. They must also be skilled communicators, as they spend a great deal of time explaining treatment options to their patients.
Many dentists work in private practice. Others teach or conduct research at academic institutions or community health centers. Some are specialists, such as endodontists, who focus on diagnosing and treating diseases of the tooth pulp and roots. Otolaryngologists, on the other hand, specialize in ear, nose and throat diseases.
Emergency Care
Millions of patients present to emergency departments (EDs) with acutely ill or injured conditions that cannot be deferred until the next scheduled sick call or physician’s visit. These unscheduled visits are often accompanied by distressing patient experiences that trigger physiological dysregulation and lead to fight, flight or freeze responses for both patients and providers.
These complex encounters can be improved by embracing person-centered care principles, which are defined as a set of practices and beliefs that aim to ensure healthcare services are measurably safe, timely, appropriate, responsive, high quality and acceptable to the people receiving them. Among the six WHO health system building blocks, governance is a critical enabler for achieving person-centered care. However, there is limited published literature on the governance of emergency care. This study aims to fill this gap. Through an observational study based on a phenomenological hermeneutical framework, patients and family members will be recruited to participate in interviews about their experiences in the ED.