How do I know if my dentist is lying about the number of cavities I have to make money?
Outright lying and performing unnecessary treatment is very, very unlikely. Early decay between teeth can only be seen on an X-ray. Although you may have been going to your dentist every 6 months, X-rays are not usually done at every visit, especially in patients who do not have a history of frequent decay. Additionally, if your old dentist used traditional X-rays and your new dentist has digital X-rays it can be much easier to detect very early decay as the image can be blown up and the contrast adjusted to pick up nuances that can't often be seen on traditional film. Decay that has invaded through the enamel into the underlying dentin requires treatment, but there can be some difference of professional judgement as to when to stop "watching" an area of early demineralized enamel and when to treat it. What can you can do? Dentists detect decay three ways: from X-rays, visual exam, and by feel with instruments (dental explorer). Ask your dentist to show you how they found the decay and what the decay looks like on your X-ray or visually on your tooth (with an intraoral camera if they have one) and be curious and ask questions such as when do they recommend filling a tooth rather than trying to remineralize the enamel and "watching" it. Most dentists love to answer their patient's questions and show them why they need the treatment that they are recommending. Also, try to bring copies of your most recent old X-rays (or have them emailed if digital) when changing dentists. Sometimes a spot that looks like very early decay can be an old lesion that has remineralized and if this is the case it may appear visible but unchanged over the years (and this knowledge may prompt your new dentist to watch rather than treat). Lastly, you can get a second opinion from a third dentist but be sure to bring your current and ideally your most recent previous set of X-rays. Some dentists will do these second opinion visits as a no charge consultation.
Difference between Dental Hygienist and Orthodontist?
Orthodontists are dentists. They went to undergraduate school, then they went to dental school, and then they did more schooling to specialize and become an orthodontist. They make A LOT more money than a dental hygienist could even hope to dream about. A dental hygienist has a bachelor's degree and pretty much cleans teeth all day and can administer local anesthetic and help read x-rays. An assistant makes less than a hygienist.
What is the difference between a dentist and a dental hygienist, dental technician, and an orthodontist?
A dentist, is a doctor. They are either DDS or a DMD. They go to college for four years then dental school for four years then some go on to a residency in some specialties. One of those specialities is orthodontics. A dental hygienist goes to school for two or four years. They are trained to clean teeth, give local anesthetics, diagnosis gum disease. A dental tech usually works at a lab and fabricates crowns, inlays, inlays,dentures and partials. They can also fabricate temporaries. A good dental technician is worth his weight in gold.
Is it legal for a radiology technologist to give medicine injections?
Legal...yes, your boss is correct that you are under the doctor with this. A lot of MA's still have on-the-job training (instead of going through a vocational program), so they are no different than you when it comes to being able to give an injection. The concern really is "Are you not comfortable in doing this"? From your question, it's obvious you aren't. Speak to your manager again and let her know that you aren't comfortable with doing it. See if you can be instructed in the proper way to administer injections in the clinic setting. Now, if you are still having concerns, call your state licensing board for Rad Techs and see what they say. If they give you an answer that you can take back to your manager that shows it's best that you not do this because of your own licensing issues, she really can't argue about it. However, since MA's are not licensed and work under the direct supervision of the physician, you are doing the MA duties with "on-the-job" training...just make sure you have the appropriate OTJ training first.
Can a dental assistant cement in a permanent crown?
I have been going to this dentist who lately doesn't seem to be in the office that much. This last visit was in order to have my temporary crown removed and have the permanent one put in. It turned out that he was out of town on vacation. The two dental assistants in the office did the work with one permanently cementing it in. I live in the state of Florida, and I'm wondering if this was legal for a dental assistant to do this. I am rather concerned as to whether it was adjusted properly. Also, I'm having some twinges in that area of my mouth but hoping they will settle down. Wondering if anyone knows for sure whether a dental assistant is allowed to do this in Florida. I don't really want to go back to this dentist because he also doesn't followup on things that well and, like I said, is gone so much. Would appreciate any info. Thanks
Why do dentists charge for X-rays when they are now completely digitized? Graphic designers used to charge for scanning but rarely do now.
First of all, not everyone is on digital yet. But did you know that little sensor costs $10k? You gotta have at least two of those since there’s different sizes and hope that your staff doesn’t mishandle them and break it. Then there’s the warranty and servicing you have to purchase that’s at least an annual $2k per sensor. Then the inventory which are smaller expenses like disposable plastic sleeves for infection control, and the ring holders, paper tabs and pieces of adhesive foam to make taking the x-ray possible. Never mind the hardware and software, the cost to set up and maintainence. Then there’s the cost of the time and skill of doctor or staff to take the X-rays. When you add all of these expenses, the doctor doesn’t actually really get paid to interpret the image, which is probably the most important aspect of the x-ray. Then there’s the mediocolegal obligation for being responsible for interpreting everything in the image in its entirety. 2 x-rays cost $23.70 CAD where I live. That’s not a lot for all the cost, skill and responsibility for images that are critical to making dental diagnoses. Yet, people want to cheap out on this.Oh and one last thing. You can’t really compare the skill level of taking intraoral radiographs to scanning an image into the computer. Don’t even get me started on how difficult it is to take x-rays on certain people.
What is the difference between a dentist and a dental surgeon?
Difference between a dentist and a dental surgeonA dentist is a doctor who specializes in the oral cavity to diagnose and treat diseases of the teeth and gums. A dentist has received a DDS or DMD degree from an accredited dental school that is four years after college and passed the required boards for the state that they practice in.A dentist who is able to diagnose pathology and disease, and performs surgical procedures involving the teeth and surrounding oral tissues. There are nine recognized dental specialties. See dentist and dentistry.
Is it safe to visit a dentist while being pregnant? My sister is 8 months pregnant and has a dental emergency. Can she see a dentist?
All good answers but I have to disagree with Anandmayee.Dentistry has come a long way…A fetus is pretty much fully formed (not fully developed) at 3 months.Regarding x-rays: My modern digital x-ray unit emit negligible amounts of radiation and scatter is not measurable as verified by a state inspector. Matter of fact, some dental schools teach x-ray technology without using a lead apron.That being said, a smart dentist WILL use an apron for a pregnant patient just to CYA. If there is a developmental problem with the child shows up, the first question a lawyer will ask is “have you been to the dentist recently?” (so I have been told but it makes sense).Regarding antibiotics and pain meds during pregnancy:The only 2 which are class B, i.e. ok for a pregnant woman are amoxicillin and Tylenol. All others are “C” or worse. Others are used of course for example if a woman is allergic to amoxicillin or Tylenol.Finally, one has to decide on a risk reward basis. If it really is an emergency i.e. excruciating pain or severe infection, patient , after a detailed explanation, has to make the decision of how to proceed.Personally, I will always recommend to wait until at least the 2nd trimester. But if waiting is not an option, proceed with caution and full disclosure.BTW I have known many dentists who do NOT treat pregnant patients and refer them to a specialist.Hope that helps…
Is there a similar position in dentistry to a physicians assistant in medicine?
There is no equivalent in dentistry.A dental assistant is generally a 9–11 month program and they assist the dentist during procedures but can not diagnose, order tests, drill, or prescribe medication. A dental hygienist, while licensed after completing a 2 year program, cleans teeth like a dentist can but does not do any diagnosing, x-ray ordering, drilling, or prescribing like a dentist can.Most every physician assistant (PA) today graduates with at least a master’s degree (6+ years of school). They generally do nearly the same things as the physicians they work alongside (except they do not perform major surgeries). Both physicians and PAs examine, order labs/imaging, interpret tests, diagnose, and prescribe treatment, including medication, and therefore their day-to-day jobs are very similar.