When choosing an oral surgeon to perform your surgery, it is important that you are able to trust them. It can quickly feel overwhelming to research, especially if you don’t know what qualities to look for. This blog will discuss five characteristics of a great oral surgery to help you make the best choice for your high standards of oral health.
1. Complete Education, Training, and Experience
When choosing an oral surgeon, the most important considerations are their education, experience, and training. It is normal to be curious about:
- Where did they go to school?
- Which degrees did they earn?
- How long have they been in practice?
- They have had a positive impact on the local community
- What amount of continuing training does each team member receive annually?
Dental students must have a bachelor’s degree before they can enter dental school. However, every school has its requirements. Students who have completed certain science courses, such as biology and chemistry, are accepted by dental schools. Although there is no specific dental major, it may help to major in biology or another science to increase your chances of being accepted.
Those who want to apply for the dental school must pass the DAT (Dental Acceptance Test) in their junior year. Dental school admission is highly competitive. These tests can be combined with other factors such as recommendations and grade points average to admit the best students to the program.
The classes include the study of periodontology, oral health, radiology, local anesthesia, anatomy, radiology, and radiology. Practical practice is required in every dental school. Students must work with patients in a clinical setting under the supervision of a licensed dentist.
High school students who are interested in a career in dentistry should take courses in anatomy, chemistry, and math.
Training
There are nine different specialties in dentistry. Each specialty requires additional training before you can practice. A residency program of 1 to 2 years is typically required for each specialty. General dentists do not need additional training after graduation.
Advanced dental training is required for those who wish to teach full-time or conduct research. Many dentists are happy to work part-time at the dental school clinics, supervising students.
2. Registers, Certifications, Licenses
A license is required for every dentist. Most places prefer dentists with a degree from an accredited school of dentistry who have passed the practical exam.
A license is required for dentists who want to practice in one of the nine specialty areas. This usually requires an additional 2 to 4 years of schooling. A special state exam may be required for certain specialties. Additional post-secondary residency terms, which may last up to two years, might be required.
3. Skills And Qualities
Communication Skills:
Patients, dental assistants, hygienists as well as receptionists, and support personnel need to communicate effectively.
Detail-Oriented:
Dentists must be detail-oriented to administer the correct medications and treatment. Dentists must be attentive to details such as the shape, size, and color of the teeth. It is important to match the color of a false tooth with the patient.
Dexterity:
Dental professionals need to be able to work with their hands. They have very limited space.
Leadership Skills:
Most dentists own their practice. This means that they must be able to manage and lead their staff.
Organizational Skills
A successful dentist must keep accurate records of each patient and the treatment they receive. These skills are essential in both medical and business environments.
Patience:
Patients who need specialized attention are often patients that dentists work with for long periods. Patients who are afraid of the dentist or young patients may need extra patience.
Physical Stamina
Ideally, dentists should be able to perform physical tasks like standing on their feet or bending over patients for long periods.
Problem-Solving Skills:
Strong problem-solving skills are required to be able to assess each patient’s mouth and decide the best course of action.
4. A Wide Range Of Services Are Available
It is important to find a surgeon that offers the exact treatment you require and has a history of doing them. Some procedures require complex surgery and additional steps. In some cases, the oral surgeon may have to
(1) remove the tooth,
(2) graft bone
(3) and then implant the device in multiple appointments.
An oral surgeon should be able to perform all steps, rather than just one (like a dentist who only extracts teeth).
5. Keep Up-To-Date With The Latest Methods, Information, And Treatment
It can be difficult to keep up with all the technological advances in medicine. Dentists, dental surgeons, and other dental professionals must stay current to ensure that patients have access to the best possible information and treatment. Ask potential oral surgeons if they continue their education after graduation from medical school.
6. Every Step Of The Way, Supports Patients
For new patients, oral surgery can be daunting. You can see that excellent oral surgeons prepare and educate their patients before they perform the surgery. Oral surgeons can do this in several ways:
- Giving a virtual tour of the clinic’s office, or describing it
- New patients have the option to register online in multiple languages.
- Prepare patients with information about insurance coverage and flexible financing options
- Pre-operative and post-operative instructions
7. Highly Recommended And Rated
Ask your friends, family, and general dentists for recommendations when searching for an oral surgeon in your area. Ask about:
- They were so happy with the job that was done
- Chairside manner of the doctor and his support staff
- Amazing how clean the office was
You can also search online for oral surgeons who have received positive reviews. These are some of the positive comments that Dr. Tye has received from former patients:
“Everything was perfect! Everyone should go to this place. You don’t have to be afraid of dental procedures. This place is incredible. You’re in good hands.”
“My 12-year-old son had an additional tooth that was growing towards his nose. A few dentists and members of the community recommended Dr. Tye. In the initial consultation, Dr. Tye was meticulous and confident.
“I was nervous about having my wisdom teeth removed, but the staff was so kind and helpful. Dr. Tye, his staff, and I were the best. He even called me after my surgery to check on me. This just goes to show how caring they are about your well-being. I would highly recommend them to anyone searching for an Oral Surgeon.
