What are five things every general dentist should be able to do?

A general dentist is allowed to perform any dental procedure that they feel competent to perform. What are the five services that in my opinion every general dentist should be able to provide?

1  Check up and cleanings: This is a basic service that all general dental practices provide

2.  Diagnosis and treatment planning: This is often part of a check up. If a treatment plan is more involved diagnosis and treat planning may involve consultations with dental specialists as well

3. Dental fillings: These can be made of different materials (composite, amalgam, gold, white ceramic materials)

4. Crowns: Although there are many different types of crowns available, a good general dentist should be able to provide their patients with this service. They may not be expert in all different types of crowns, but they should be familiar and competent at fabricating some of these for their patients

5. Be a source of information and dental advice for their patients. Although a general dentist need not be fully knowledgeable about everything,  they should be willing to discuss dental problems with their patients and make appropriate referrals to other dentists or doctors as needed. Also, they should make themselves available to discuss with their patients the findings and recommendations of the specialists that they refer their patients to.

In addition to these five services, many general dentists are experts in other types of dental procedures. These include, periodontal,, endodontic, implant, oral surgery, removable prosthodontic and orthodontic treatments. Dentists can become expert in these fields and most do offer some of these services as well.

About the author: Lawrence Spindel DDS is a dentist in New York City, who has has maintained  a general and cosmetic dental practice for over thirty years.