Dentist

You cannot be truly healthy without a healthy mouth. The connection between systemic health and good dental health is well documented. It is less expensive and easier to fix a problem before it hurts. Dentistry is the evaluation, diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment of diseases, disorders and/or conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and/or the adjacent and associated structures and their impact on the human body. Recent research has shown a growing body of evidence that poor dental health has been associated with systemic (or overall) health issues. Studies have suggested that infection in the mouth may create a higher risk for developing heart disease, stroke, uncontrolled diabetes, preterm births and respiratory disease.

Dental and craniofacial researchers are at the cutting edge of other areas of biomedical research targeting such conditions as osteoarthritis, Paget’s disease, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, type I (juvenile) diabetes, cancers of the mouth and throat, chronic pain other neurological disorders and infectious diseases.

Choosing the right dentist to aid in keeping your overall health in top shape should be an important part of your health care decisions.  The relationship between you and your dentist is a shared responsibility.  Your dentist should offer multiple treatment options for dental care.  The dentist should do a comprehensive exam that will allow him/her to put together a treatment plan that may vary in complexity, durability and cost.  Your dentist can then explain each option, including its benefits and drawbacks.  Your responsibility is to tell your dentist about your needs, what you expect out of treatment and ask the dentist and dental team as many questions as needed to help you understand which option is best for you and your condition.

Finding a Dentist

Switching dentists or moving into a new area and needing to find a dentist can be a daunting task.  The American Dental Association (ADA) offers several suggestions:  Ask family, friends, neighbors or co-workers for recommendations.  If you are moving, your current dentist may have a recommendation.  Use ADA.org’s ADA Member Directory to search for dentists in your area.  You can also try www.usatopdentists.com or call the dental laboratories in your area to ask for recommendations. 

See whose name keeps coming up, visit or call a few of the offices, meet the dentist and discuss their office philosophy. Check for yourself the level of cleanliness and professionalism.  Do they appear clean, neat and orderly? Is the dentist a member of the ADA?  Is the appointment schedule convenient for you?  Is the office easy to get to from your home or job?  Are the dentist and team friendly and welcoming?  How are emergencies handled?  Is information provided about fees and payment plans before treatment is scheduled?  Does the dentist spend adequate time with you to address all of your concerns?  Are they comprehensive or do they have a “just fix one tooth at a time/ fix it when it breaks” philosophy? 

D.D.S. – Doctor of Dental Surgery or D.M.D. – Doctor of Dental Medicine

This indicates the degree awarded upon graduation from dental school to become a general dentist.  There is no difference between the two degrees; dentists who have a DMD or DDS have the same education.  Individual dental schools have the right to determine which degree is bestowed.  Both programs use the same requirements for graduation set by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation.  Usually three or more years of undergraduate education, then four years of dental school is required to graduate and be a general dentist.  State licensing boards accept both degrees as equal, and both degrees allow licensed individuals to practice the same scope of general dentistry. Additional post-graduate schooling is required to become a dental specialist.  Their degrees would be followed by the letters, M.S. as mentioned again later.

Due to the many complexities of current dental treatment modalities and depending on the severity of the condition of your oral health, your dentist may refer you to a dental specialist in one or more of the many dental specialties to help in your care.  Your dentist can be likened to a “general contractor of the mouth”, in charge of selecting and implementing the best treatment for your individual case.  Dental specialists are dentists that are highly trained in their particular area of expertise.  This is formal training at a dental school and/or hospital and not a continuing education “weekend” type of seminar learning.  The special area(s) must be approved by the American Dental Association.  Dentists who announce as specialists must have successfully completed an educational program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, two or more years in length and the practice must be limited exclusively to the special area(s) of care announced by the dentist.  This dentist will have the letters M.S. after their D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree.  General dentists are licensed to do all procedures in all of the entire scope of dentistry yet should still know when it is appropriate to refer a patient to a specialist for any given condition.  Your dentist should explain why you are being referred and answer any questions you may have.

Dental Specialties

As approved by the Council on Dental Education and Licensure, American Dental Association www.ada.org

The following is a list of approved specialties from the American Dental Association web site, www.ada.org.  This site has a wealth of information on all aspects of dentistry and answers many questions for the public and professional as well.  These are the only recognized specialties and any dentist claiming to be a specialist in any other area is in violation of the American Dental Association’s Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct.

Dental Public Health:  This is the science and art of preventing and controlling dental diseases and promoting dental health through organized community efforts.  This person is a dentist trained in serving the community as a patient rather than the individual.  The primary concern is with the dental health education of the public, backed by dental research, as well as the administration of group dental care programs and the prevention and control of dental diseases on a community basis. (Adopted May 1976)

Endodontics:  Endodontist.  This specialty is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of the human dental pulp and surrounding tissues.  Its study encompasses the science and biology of the normal pulp, the cause, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases and injuries of the pulp and associated conditions.  An Endodontist performs what is commonly known as a root canal on your tooth.  He/she may also recommend surgical treatment options (apicoectomy and hemisections) to help keep a tooth that is severely damaged. (Adopted December 1983)

Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology:  Oral Pathologist.  Oral pathology is the specialty of dentistry that deals with the nature, identification and management of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions.  This dentist investigates the cause, process and effects of these diseases.  The practice includes research and diagnosis of diseases using clinical, radiographic, microscopic, biochemical, or other examinations.  (Adopted May 1991)

Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology:  Oral Radiologist.  This is the specialty of dentistry concerned with the production and interpretation of images and data produced by all modalities of radiant energy that are used for the diagnosis and management of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral and maxillofacial region.  (Adopted April 2001)

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery:  Oral Surgeon.  The specialty of dentistry that includes the diagnosis, surgical and supporting treatment of diseases, injuries and defects involving both the functional and esthetic aspects of the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region. (Adopted October 1990)

Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics:  Orthodontist.  This is the specialty of dentistry that includes the diagnosis, prevention, interception, and correction of malocclusion (bad bite or crooked teeth), as well as neuromuscular and skeletal abnormalities of the developing or mature orofacial structures. (Adopted April 2003)

Pediatric Dentistry:  Pedodontist.  An age defined specialty that provides both primary and comprehensive preventive and therapeutic oral health care for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health care needs.  (Adopted 1995)

Periodontics:  Periodontist.  The study of dentistry that encompasses the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth (gums) or their substitutes and the maintenance of the health, function and esthetics of these structures and tissues.  (Adopted December 1992)

Prosthodontics:  Prosthodontist.  A dental specialty involving the diagnosis, treatment plans, rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues using biocompatible substitutes.  (Adopted April 2003)

General and Specialty National Organizations and Links to their web sites

American Dental Association:  www.ada.org, a world of information check out this site!
American Association of Public Health Dentistry:  www.aaphd.org
American Association of Endodontists:  www.aae.org
American Academy of Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology:  www.aaomp@b-online.com
American Academy of Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology:  www.aaomr.org
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons:  www.aaoms.org
American Association of Orthodontists:  www.braces.org
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry:  www.aapd.org
American Academy of Periodontology:  www.perio.org
American College of Prosthodontists:  www.prosthodontics.org

 

Submitted by: Phillip C. Yancho, D.D.S.  Dr. Phil Yancho is a general dentist practicing in Traverse City, MI for over 20 years.  Dr. Yancho has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences from Michigan Technological University and a D.D.S. degree from the University Of Michigan School Of Dentistry.  He is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), Michigan Dental Association (MDA), and Resort District Dental Society (RDDS) and has been the Peer Review and Ethics Committee Chairperson for the RDDS since January, 2001.  He is conveniently located by Sam’s Club on South Airport Road West.  “Treating people like they want to be treated is our platinum rule.  We have the friendliest, most helpful and knowledgeable team in dentistry working for us right now.”

Dr. Yancho offers all dental procedures, especially cosmetic (bleaching, veneers, smile and total mouth makeovers), preventive and rehabilitation services for adults and children.

Giving back is important to Dr. Yancho.  He actively participates in the ADA’s program, Donated Dental Services (free dental care for the under-privileged, elderly and handicapped).  You cannot be truly healthy without a healthy mouth.  The connection between systemic health and good dental health is well documented.  It is less expensive and easier to fix a problem before it hurts.  See a dentist who treats you as a whole person, not just a single tooth.  Dr. Yancho would love to meet you and is accepting new patients.  You can reach him at 231-941-2201 or doc@yanchodentistry.com.