Dentists, or dental surgeons, diagnose and treat problems with patients’ teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth while providing advice and instruction on taking care of the teeth and gums.
They perform activities like:
Remove decay from teeth and fill cavities
Repair cracked or fractured teeth and remove teeth
Place sealants or whitening agents on teeth
Administer anesthetics
Prescribe antibiotics or other medications
Examine x rays of teeth, jaw, gums, and nearby areas in order to diagnose problems
Make models and measurements for dental devices, such as dentures, to fit patients
Teach patients about diets, flossing, the use of fluoride, and other aspects of oral care.