General Dentist

To assist patients achieve and maintain good oral and general health, to provide adequate diagnosis, dental treatment planning and delivery of dental care to fulfill the health needs of the patients, to educate patients in good personal oral health care and to attempt to motivate patients to incorporate good oral health care practices in their daily routines.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES       :

The General Dentist provides direct outpatient care in all areas of general dentistry in consultation with dental specialist, physicians and other health professionals as required for the best interest of the patient.

• Examines clinically and radiographically the hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity and head and neck region.
• Identifies and records developmental abnormalities, caries, fractures, root exposures, erosions, abrasions, and defective restorations of existing teeth. Records condition and existing pathology of the periodontium, and other soft tissues of the mouth, temporo-mandibular joint, muscles of mastication, occlusal relationship, and other areas of the head and neck region.
• Orders, exposes, and interprets intra oral radiographs of the teeth and alveolar ridges. Uses radiography techniques and safeguards which will assure maximum diagnostic results and patient protection against radiation hazards.
• Diagnoses existing pathology of the above mentioned areas utilizing other aids such as study casts, electric vitalometers, transillumunators, thermal aids, percussion and palpation.
• Interviews patients and records medical history. Orders appropriate medical laboratory tests to assist in the diagnosis of systemic diseases which may affect the course of dental treatment. Takes and records patient's vital signs, (including pulse rate and blood pressure) and refers patients for appropriate medical evaluation when indicate.
• Plans a course of treatment based on the findings of the clinical and radiographic examination, the patient's needs and consistent with the philosophy and policies guiding the delivery of dental health care in the clinic.
• Ascertains patient's interest in dental health care, treatment expectations, as well as availability, and when applicable, explains all aspects of dental disease, planned treatment, and costs as required to assure complete understanding on the part of the patient.
• Performs preventive procedures on adults and children including; dietary analysis, caries susceptibility tests, prophylaxis, topical fluoride therapy, oral hygiene instructions and application of dental fissure sealants.
• Prescribes and administers pre-medications to patients as indicated and utilizes local anesthetics for control of pain. Recognizes adverse reactions to these agents and takes immediate necessary measures to counteract such reactions.
• Adjust occlusion as necessary to provide and acceptable pattern of centric contact, an acceptable pattern of grouped functional contracts and elimination of non-functional contacts.
• Treats and restores decayed and fractured teeth of adults and children under adequate isolation to remove decay, shape cavities to receive the restorative materials of choice (gold, silver, amalgam, resin, porcelain), places appropriate medications and bases to treat or protect the remaining tooth structure, places, carves finishes and polishes the restorations to restore function and appearance.
• Prepares teeth and soft tissues for the placement of fixed or removable prostheses (bridges, partial dentures full dentures) to replace missing teeth or to regain stability through splinting when indicated. Makes accurate impressions and precise inter-occlusal records for the fabrication of dental prosthetic appliances.
• Removes diseased or fractures teeth which are beyond repair. Performs other oral surgical procedures. Recognizes and treats or refers for treatment, diseases of the pulp and periodontal structures.
• Recognizes and treats or refers for treatment, oral pathology, malignant and benign. Recognizes oral manifestations of systemic disease. Possesses a basic knowledge of general medicine.
• Directs the work of one or more trained auxiliaries in providing dental care to patients. Performs evaluations of dental care to patients. Performs evaluation of dental assistant's work in a manner that encourages improvement, enthusiasm over good work, confidence in ability to improve. Makes suggestions for individual improvement.
• Consults with dental laboratory personnel in the construction of inlays, crowns and fixed and removable prostheses.
• Recognizes personal limitations and refers patients to other health professionals when this referral will result in better care for the patient.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the delivery of quality patient care within the bounds of the clinical environment.
• Participates in an in-service training program and continuing techniques education courses to improve personal knowledge of techniques and materials and to enhance skills to meet individual or department requirements.
• Performs other duties and projects as assigned by his immediate supervisor.
• Provide personalized coordinated care, support and treatment for patients and families.
• Treat people with dignity, compassion, and respect.
•  Involving patients in decisions and helping them take actions to support themselves.
•  Involve patients, families and caregivers by providing them with education and  resources for offering optimal support to promote recovery.
•  Dedicated to education of health professions students, residents and Fellow physicians so they can work together in multidisciplinary teams to provide competent, ethical and continuous person-centered care.