While
the dentist is the heart of any dental practice, he doesn't work alone. Someone
has to receive new patients, prepare the anesthetic, apply agents, and clean the
instruments. For the most part, the dentist has neither the time nor need to do
these things; he normally has his hands full performing the more precise
operations, like tooth extraction. This is why the dentist keeps a skilled team
of specialists to help him make preparations and treat patients.
The
composition of a dental team varies by office; but the most common include an
anesthesiologist, hygienist, receptionist, and dental nurse. The more extensive
dental offices, which offer more than general dentistry, may include an
in-house orthodontist and dental therapist. In some cases, the dentist may
assume multiple roles as long as he's trained and certified to do so. A general
dentist, for example, can also be an orthodontist.
Except
for the dentist, the dental team is normally limited to pre-operative
procedures like preparing the tools, giving patients the anesthetic, and so on.
It's the duty of the dentist to ensure that these procedures go smoothly to
ensure the safety of the patient. The dentist never leaves the most important
and complicated treatments to his team, making him the glue that holds the team
together.
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