|
Question: “Dr.
Arnold, my dentist seems to refer me to specialists for
everything. Why does he always do this when I just
want him to do all of my dental work?”
Answer: In
dental school, students gain some experience in most
dental specialties. Most schools have clinical requirements
in the areas of oral surgery, periodontics, endodontics,
prosthodontics, orthodontics, and pedodontics. This
gives dental school graduates exposure to the different
types of procedures patients often need.
This experience sometimes leads graduates to an interest
in continuing their education in a specialty program. These
post-graduate programs usually require an additional two
to four years of advanced training after dental school. When
dentists finish these rigorous post-graduate degrees, they
are licensed specialists in their particular area of concentration.
Dental specialists provide wonderful support for general
dentists and their patients. Their advanced education
beyond dental school makes them exceptional resources for
care when the complexity of a particular procedure is beyond
the “comfort zone” of a general dentist.
General dentists can perform many of these procedures,
but will often elect to refer a patient to a specialist
if they feel that it is in the patient’s best interest. My
personal philosophy has always been to refer a patient to
a specialist if I feel that they would do a better job for
the patient. If I treat every patient as I would
a member of my own family, everyone is assured the best
care possible.
Some dentists receive training beyond dental school that
gives them the experience and knowledge necessary to do
fantastic work outside the purview of general dentistry. This
additional training does not make them specialists, but
it better prepares them to perform complex procedures.
The important thing to remember is that your dentist should
be concerned with what is in your best interest. If
that means referring you to a specialist for a given procedure,
then he is probably doing the right thing for you.
Dr. Jim Arnold is a practicing dentist in Chesterton and Valparaiso. He is also a clinical mentor with the Hornbrook Group and serves on the Advisory Board for the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics as the Fellowship Chairman. You may send questions to his office at: 1830 South 11th Street, Chesterton, IN 46304 or email them to: drarnold@SmilesByArnold.com. More information on this or many other dental topics can be found at www.SmilesByArnold.com.
Back to Dental Columns
|
