What does a Dentist do?

A dentist is a physician whose practice is in the field of dentistry. This involves

some important areas such as the mouth, teeth, gums and related areas. Some
studies have shown that diseases relating to the teeth and gums can be indicative
or indicators of some health issues. The health of the mouth is essential to the
general overall health of the body and a dentist will encourage assist their
patients in maintaining a healthy mouth by regular cleaning and check-ups.

A dentist performs many important duties in the maintenance of oral health.

Check-ups are a major part of the job and are important for the patients keeping
on top of oral care. In addition to general check-ups, general dentistry involves
basic treatments that can be done at a regular dentist office. Such procedure
might include filling a tooth, performing a minor surgical procedure such as a
tooth extraction, and cleaning and polishing teeth. A dentist will encourage
patients to practice good dental care by brushing and flossing and getting regular
cleanings are these good habits can help prevent cavities and other tooth and
gum diseases.

Within dentistry, there are specific specialties which require further training,
creating expertise in a particular area, for example, endodontic, orthodontics,
periodontics, prosthodontics, and pediatric. The first specialization is endodontic.
Endodontic has a specialization in the treatment of the internal tissues or “pulp”
of the tooth which is mostly made up of nerves and blood vessels. Endodontic
performs root canal treatments and other procedures and examinations involving
the inner tooth.

The second specialization is orthodontics. Orthodontic usually deals with the

straightening and alignment of the teeth and jaw; an orthodontist has some
duties. For example, an orthodontist will fit braces and treat disorders involving
misaligned teeth; will also deal with issues involving bone in and around the
mouth area which may be related to other health issues.

The third specialization is periodontics. Periodontics refers to the area around the
tooth, including the gums and other tissues; a periodontist will deal with gum
disease and other gum ailments. Prosthodontics has a concentration of the area
relating to cosmetic dentistry and the appearance of teeth. The next
specialization is prosthodontist which fits implants to replace removed teeth and
deals with other prosthetics in the mouth. The last specialist if specific areas (e.g.
gum disease) are involved.

LISTEN TO THE TAPE THEN FILL IN THE BLANKS

She calls out to the man on the street

Sir, can you … me?
It’s cold and I’ve nowhere to sleep
Is there somewhere you can tell me?

He walks on, doesn’t look back

He pretends he can’t hear her
Starts to whistle as he crosses the street
Seems … to be there

*)
Oh think twice, it’s another day for you and me in paradise
Oh think twice, ‘cause it’s another day for you,
You and me in paradise, think about it

She calls out to the man on the street

He can … she’s been crying
She’s got blisters on the soles of her …
She can’t walk but she’s trying

Back to *)

Oh Lord, is there nothing more anybody can do

Oh Lord, there must be something you can say

You can tell from the lines on her face

You can see that she’s been there
Probably been moved on from every …
‘cause she didn’t fit in there
Back to *)
It’s just another day for you and me in paradise