Discover the Profession of Dentist: Training, Practice and Tips for Choosing the Right Dentist

A general dentist is similar to your family doctor. He is the ideal person to evaluate the general health of your teeth using clinical and radiographic intervention tools. It takes care of your gums, your jaws, as well as the soft tissues of your oral cavity.

Before visiting a dentist, it is very important to take out dental insurance to reduce dental costs. If you don't have dental coverage, get the price for free.

The dentist is also trained to carry out treatments offered to patients with various conditions (e.g. dental caries) affecting these physiological structures. Dentists in Quebec offer the public an essential health service as part of their education, prevention, diagnosis and treatment activities.

The profession of dentist: Guardian of your smile and your oral health

A smile is a valuable asset that transcends linguistic and cultural barriers. It's one of the first things people notice when they meet you. Not only can a bright smile give you self-confidence, but it is also a reflection of good oral health. In this context, dentists play an essential role as guardians of our smile and our dental health.

What does a dentist actually do?

Dentists are health professionals who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of oral problems. Their role goes far beyond simple teeth cleaning. Here are some of the most common tasks they perform:

1. Examinations and diagnostics: Dentists perform regular exams to assess the condition of your teeth, gums and mouth in general. They use tools such as x-rays to identify hidden dental problems.
2. Preventative care: Prevention is an essential part of a dentist's work. They recommend proper oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing, and offer preventative treatments such as fissure sealants to prevent cavities.
3. Treatment of dental problems: When it comes to cavities, infections, gum disease or other dental problems, dentists are there to provide curative care. They perform fillings, root canals, extractions and other procedures to restore dental health.
4. Dental surgery : Dentists can perform a variety of surgical procedures, such as extracting wisdom teeth, placing dental implants, and correcting jaw problems.
5. Beauty care : Cosmetic dentists specialize in improving dental aesthetics, offering treatments such as teeth whitening, dental veneers and crowns for a brighter smile.

The study path to become a dentist in Canada

The educational path to becoming a dentist in Canada may vary depending on the province in which you wish to practice. However, here is a general overview of the process of becoming a dentist in Canada:

1. Undergraduate degree:
   • First, you'll need to complete an undergraduate degree, usually in health sciences or a related discipline. It's important to maintain good grades during your undergraduate studies because competition for admission to dental schools is typically high.
2. Preparation for the admission test:
   • You will need to take the Dental Aptitude Test (DAT), which is a standardized test designed to assess the science skills and cognitive abilities needed to succeed in dentistry.
3. Admission to dental school:
   • Once you have completed your undergraduate degree and passed the DAT, you can apply to dental school in Canada. Each province has its own dental schools, such as the University of Toronto, the University of Montreal, the University of British Columbia, etc. Admission criteria vary from school to school, but they will take into account your academic achievements, DAT scores, and sometimes an interview.
4. Doctor of Dentistry Program:
   • Once admitted to dental school, you will complete a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program, which typically lasts 3 to 4 years. This program will include both theoretical courses and practical internships in a dental clinic.
5. Certification exam:
   • After obtaining your dental degree, you will need to pass a provincial or territorial licensing exam to obtain the right to practice dentistry in the province of your choice. Each province has its own licensing and examination requirements.
6. Residency internship (optional):
   • Some dentists choose to pursue a residency or advanced fellowship to specialize in a particular area of ​​dentistry, such as orthodontics, oral surgery, periodontics, etc. This can add several additional years of training.
7. Private practice or employment:
   • Once you have earned your license and, if applicable, completed your residency training, you may choose to work in private practice, join an existing dental practice, or pursue an academic career as a professor of dentistry.

It is important to note that specific requirements may vary from province to province in Canada, so it is recommended to check the requirements of the province in which you plan to practice dentistry. The process can be competitive, but once you have followed all the steps and obtained your license, you will be able to practice as a dentist in Canada.

The profession of dentist in Quebec  

Some dentists open clinics in residential areas and specialize in family clients. There are other dentists who work near private seniors' residences and specialize in this clientele.

Dentists located in business districts enter into agreements with businesses and collective bargaining agreements with employees in their neighborhood.

In a hospital setting, several hospitals have a dental medicine department or service.

Modern dentistry includes several areas of intervention. General dentists receive basic knowledge in all aspects of dentistry. They can, theoretically, offer services and treatments in all of these areas.

However, some interventions are more complex and require specific expertise and experience. This is why there are specialized areas in dentistry where practitioners have first received training in general dentistry, but who limit their practice to a particular area.

The Canadian Dental Association recognizes nine dental specialties in Canada. The educational programs for these specialties are reviewed and accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CADC):

• Public dental health
• Endodontics
• Oral and maxillofacial surgery
• Oral medicine and pathology
• Oral and maxillofacial radiology 
• Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
• Pediatric dentistry
• Periodontics
• Prosthodontics

 In Quebec, rather than “oral medicine and pathology” recognized at the Canadian level, these fields of action and the two distinct specialties are divided. Thus, the specialties recognized by the Order of Dentists of Quebec are: oral medicine and oral and maxillofacial pathology.

The role of dentists in the Canadian health system

Dentists play a vital role in the Canadian health care system in providing preventive, diagnostic and curative oral care. Their role contributes to the overall health of Canadians of all ages. Here are some of the main responsibilities and contributions of dentists in the Canadian healthcare system:

1. Preventative care:
   • Dentists perform routine exams and dental cleanings to detect and prevent dental problems before they become serious. They provide oral hygiene advice to help patients maintain good dental health.
2. Diagnosis and treatment:
   • Dentists diagnose and treat a range of oral problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, dental infections and dental alignment abnormalities. They perform procedures such as cavity filling, root canal treatment, tooth extraction and oral surgery.
3. Surgery and rehabilitation:
   • Some dentists, such as oral and maxillofacial surgeons and prosthodontists, perform complex surgical procedures to treat conditions such as facial fractures, oral tumors, dental implants, and design prosthetic teeth to restore function and health. dental aesthetics.
4. Pediatric care:
   • Pediatric dentists specialize in dental care for children. They play an important role in promoting oral health from an early age and in managing children's oral health problems.
5. Urgent Care :
   • Dentists are often available to provide emergency care in cases of acute dental pain, dental infection, or dental trauma. They can be contacted for immediate interventions if necessary.
6. Education and awareness:
   • Dentists play a key role in educating patients about the importance of oral care and oral hygiene. They also educate the public about dietary habits and behaviors that can affect dental health.
7. Disease prevention:
   • Dentists help prevent oral disease by recommending vaccinations against tooth decay, providing preventative treatments such as fissure sealants, and advising on dietary habits and smoking.

It should be noted that dental care in Canada is generally privately funded, although some provinces offer partial coverage for dental care under their health insurance plans. Canadians often use private dental insurance to cover part or all of their dental care costs. Dentists work closely with other health professionals, such as family doctors, to provide comprehensive care for patients' health.

Questions

• Finding a dentist in Canada: useful tips and resources
• Questions to ask during your first visit to a new dentist
• Maintain a good relationship with your dentist for optimal oral health
• Conclusion: Choosing a dentist, an important decision for your oral health
• Emergency dentist
• How to get a free dentist?
• Are the dentists reimbursed?
• Child Dentist
• Pediatric Dentist
• Dentist Montreal
• Dentist Quebec
• Dentist Laval
• Can we compare the cost of care between different dentists?
• How long during dental treatments?
• Cheap dentist
• Dentist near me
• Best Dentist

The cost of dental care  

The Association of Dental Surgeons of Quebec (ACDQ) publishes each year the Price Guide and nomenclature of oral procedures, but dentists are not required to respect these price suggestions.

Dentists are free to set their prices according to their fixed costs, their desired profit margin, the state of oral health of their patient, etc. Treatment plans vary greatly from dentist to dentist. 

Don't hesitate to ask your dentist questions or take the time to shop for your dental care.

Dental Insurance  

Most Quebecers receive dental care through privately managed dental clinics and pay for the services through group or private insurance or through self-payment. 

Dentists and denturists participating in the public plan provide certain services covered by health insurance. Children under 10 years old and recipients of last resort financial assistance can benefit from several services free of charge.   

For people who are not covered by a group health and dental insurance plan, there are insurance products sold on an individual basis designed, for example, for self-employed workers. 

However, many people purchase “complementary” individual dental insurance which would cover services not covered by group insurance.

 Whether in general dentistry or emergency services, multidisciplinary professionals will meet your needs.  

• Cosmetic dentistry  
• Dental implants
• Dental prosthesis
• Dental veneers
• Teeth whitening
• Dental crowns

How to get a free dentist?

Universities, CEGEPs and professional training centers offer services at very advantageous prices in school clinics. The most important are:

The Bouche B project 

The Bouche B project aims to offer free basic dental care, essential to health, to customers in vulnerable situations referred by selected organizations. It is thanks to the voluntary work of dentists and other oral health professionals that the project works.

Are the dentists reimbursed?

Consultations with a dentist are covered by Health Insurance and reimbursed at 70% based on the conventional rate (Health Insurance). 

Dental clinics and dental centers  

The greater Montreal area has several dental clinics as well as several dental centers that offer a range of varied services, whether for a persistent toothache or simply for aesthetic reasons such as whitening your teeth. In these centers or clinics you can quickly find a general dentist, or even a specialized dentist, for you and your family.

Dentist Montreal  

With the growing needs of the population, the dental profession is doing relatively well and the number of dentists is increasing every year. In Montreal, compared to other cities in the Province, there is a surplus of dentists which creates too much competition. 

This “overconcentration” of dentists in Montreal has the effect of a tendency to increase the purchase prices of successful dental practices when they are put up for sale. Often, dental professionals join forces with colleagues in group practices to share the high cost of equipment and other operating expenses.

Dentist Quebec

Your dentist is your best ally for a radiant smile. In addition to taking care of your teeth and gums, he provides you with the best advice for taking care of your oral health. Today, Quebec dentists offer a wide range of services, although the bill can quickly add up if you do not have dental insurance.

Dentist Laval 

Can we compare the cost of care between different dentists?

 The answer to this question is YES, but it is a difficult task due to the nature of dental treatments. It is a service and not an easily measurable commodity. However, one could say that it is easy to compare simple dental services such as x-rays, dental cleaning or other basic dentistry actions.

 However, despite public opinion, it is impossible to make a treatment comparison unless they are completely identical (dental implants, gum graft, etc.). It all depends on the dentist's approach, justifying a significant difference in fees.

 But does this mean that the dentist considered to be “the most expensive” offers abusive prices? No way. Ultimately, a more expensive treatment plan can be very beneficial in the long run if the dentist does their job well. In summary, we should not look at the cost of dental treatment, but at its long-term benefits.

How long during dental treatments?

The lifespan of dental treatments varies depending on the type of operation performed. A root canal treatment can last a lifetime, but the tooth that has undergone this type of treatment may need a crown to prevent it from fracturing. For modern implants, they can last several decades, except that the protectors they support may not last that long. If we know that the lifespan of a crown is approximately 8 to 10 years, we should however consider replacing it after 6 to 7 years.

Orthodontic treatment carried out in early adulthood can last several years, but most dentists will explain to you that this could lead to changes in positioning a few years after the end of treatment. Visiting a dentist regularly helps maintain oral health.