General dentists are the primary dental care providers for patients of all ages. They can treat you and your entire family and care for your overall oral health. This is crucial to your total health. Your general dentist takes responsibility for the diagnosis, treatment and overall coordination of services to meet your oral health needs. If you need a specialized dental procedure performed, your general dentist may work with other dentists to make sure you get the care you need.

Where do general dentists practice?

General dentists make up the majority of the 143,000 dentists practicing in the United States and Canada. Sometimes they become partners or associates with other dentists in a group practice. Other general dentists own their practice. Some general dentists work in government health services, research programs, higher education, corporations and even the military.

What kind of procedures do general dentists provide?

Many general dentists are highly educated and trained on all dental procedures. Instead of specializing in just one area of dentistry, they can provide plenty of different services for you and your family, such as:

•    Cosmetic procedures
•    Crowns and bridges
•    Dental implants
•    Dentures
•    Gum disease treatment
•    Home care instruction
•    Mouthguards
•    Nutrition counseling
•    Oral surgery
•    Orthodontics
•    Partial dentures
•    Restorative care
•    Root canal therapy
•    Sealants
•    Teeth cleanings
•    Tobacco cessation
•    TMD/TMJ therapy

How much education is required to become a general dentist?
To become a general dentist, three or more years of undergraduate college education degree (typically with a strong science foundation) plus four years of dental school is required. After graduating, dentists must take a licensure examination which is required by the state they practice in.

What's the difference between DMD and DDS?
Just one letter! Both dentists receive the same education and complete the same curriculum requirements. DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery and DMD stands for Doctor of Dental Medicine.

Why does my dentist belong to the AGD?
Your general dentist cares about long-term dental health for you and your family and demonstrates that concern by belonging to the AGD. Members are dedicated to continuing education to help them stay up-to-date on the latest procedures to provide you and your family with quality treatment.