You see them once every six months and the occasional unexpected encounter at the grocery store. Many of your conversations are pretty one-sided as you try to match wits with a little mirror in your mouth. So who is your dentist, really? Well, of course every dentist is different, and we’ll gladly tell you about Covington’s Dr. Fry, but first let us share a few generalities about dentists.

The Goal of a Dentist

We know it can seem like a lot is going on when you visit the dentist. Words like prophylaxis and malocclusion fly through the air above you as you stare into a light and hope you brushed your teeth well enough. That being said, a dentist’s purpose during that visit is simple: to promote good dental hygiene.

Your dentist is your advocate, and there are a host of ways dentists help to foster oral health. They oversee the professional maintenance of your teeth, including removing buildup from teeth, filling cavities, putting in fillings or sealants, and monitoring jaw and teeth growth. They also treat problems of the gums, teeth, and mouth. This allows them to detect more serious problems like dental decay and oral cancer or even other health problems that manifest first in the mouth. To this end, a dentist also interprets x-rays and other diagnostic tests.

A dentist is also an educator, a tutor for individual patients on how better to take care of their teeth. In addition to treating problems, dentists can suggest plans and programs to avoid dental issues moving forward. 

The Creed at Covington

Here at Covington Dental Arts, we take a more holistic approach to dental wellness. Because of this, we offer services you aren’t likely to find at other dentist offices, including threading and BEMER therapy, as well as more common procedures like extractions and implants. We want you to love your smile, and our focus on cosmetic dentistry—including crowns, veneers, and teeth whitening—is revolutionary.

Training and Education

A dentist is a doctor, especially of the teeth and gums, and dentists follow a similar educational program that medical doctors do. Dentistry candidates start their careers by receiving an undergraduate degree, generally a bachelor of science degree in a related field (micro- or general biology, chemistry, or even math). While dentists can come from other educational backgrounds, dental school has prerequisites that are most conveniently fulfilled during undergraduate schooling.

The next step is a rigorous admissions test to apply to dental schools, a very competitive process. Dental school admission rates sit at about a 55% average in the United States, so only about half of the applicants in the country get into dental school. It is not smooth sailing from there. Dental school is another four years, usually following the format of two years of biomedical science studies and two years clinical experience. The prize at the end of all that hard work is a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree. These are for all intents and purposes the same degree; the difference in title is determined by the university the doctoral candidate attended.

But wait, there’s more! National Board Dental Examinations are available for dentists and dental hygienists to gain licensure and require passing written and practical exams, and then there’s residency. Dentists wanting to specialize in one of the many dental subdisciplines can choose to pursue postgraduate residency. These programs generally last for two to three years, though surgical residency is usually closer to four to six.

The bottom line is that to become a dentist requires a significant investment in education. When you visit a dentist, you know that that person has dedicated his or her life to understanding the best oral care for you. That’s a pretty encouraging thought!

The Wise Dr. Fry

Dr. Fry’s education includes his training at Utah universities and dental school in Nevada, as well as extensive experience serving those enlisted in the Navy and Marines. His wide field of experience with civilians and servicemen has informed his understanding that dental health is part of overall wellness. Covington Dental Arts is his innovative vehicle to serve and promote dental health. 

Come and visit

Visiting the dentist does not have to be uncomfortable or scary, especially when you keep in mind that you are visiting someone who is expert in his field and determined to provide the care you need to love your smile. Feel free to call us with your questions or to schedule your next dentist appointment.