ChatterBank2 mins ago
Dentist Time
Answers
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For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.It takes 5 years to train as a dentist, 3 of which are clinical years i.e. involves treating/performing dentistry on patients whilst under consultant supervision. Prior to this, 2 years has been spent learning anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, neurobiology amongst many other subjects relevant to the practice of clinical dentistry. During the clinical years students undergo training in medicine and surgery, an important part of which involves management of patients in an emergency situation.
After passing extremely difficult exams, the core component being SAFETY TO PRACTICE, the qualified dentist may work outside the confines of a dental hospital, most undergo further training in the form of a VT year which involves learning not so much skills (these have been practiced during the first 5 years!) but how to work in an NHS general practice.
So after this you should be assured that patients are not guinea pigs.
On another matter 'nerves' are NOT 'caught' by 'picks' (dental probes) more likely your teeth have been cavitated by decay due to oral neglect on your part, had you chosen to attend the dentist for regular exams/check-ups its quite likely you wouldn't need further extensive work now.
In the 21st century 2/3rds of the dental profession are female, clearly this is an issue for you.
Another point to note is; there are constant advances in medicine and dentistry, therefore someone more recently qualified will probably have a more modern and scientific aspproach to dental care than an older practioner. Even though dentists are required to attend seminars and courses throughout their working lives as part of continuing professional development.
If none of this reassures you, then don't go back; there are plenty of patients in urgent need of dental care who would be more than happy to take you place.
Hey JKennair someone is having a bad evening!. Eastender is clearly asking a simple question and does not need to be spoken to like that. I reckon she doesn't have a problem with the dentist being male/female, she just had some concerns thats all. I also think you maybe a dentist because of your extensive knowledge on the subject!, it's just lucky your not mine as i don't think you would put anyone at ease. Also the 'picks' sorry 'dental probes' do hurt!.
I think next time if you get so offended by a question then don't answer it because you sound damm right rude!!.
As for you eastender, i understand you are scared - lots of people are (apart from JKenair!). I was also frightened of going to the dentist. Don't go back if you feel uncomfortable and i'm sure there are plenty of other dentists in your area you could try - good luck x
Clearly I have been misunderstood, my comprehensive answer was a mere attempt to put Eastender at ease, obviously this is not the case. Might I suggest however that as glenis says if you are unhappy with a particular dentist for whatever reason you ask to be seen by another. Of course you are well within your rights to ask about the credentials of any healthcare professional, and it would seem that this would be a good idea.
Oh and just to clear things up, I am not a dentist
Oh yeah, just out of interest perhaps Eastender or glenis could explain to me how dental probes (assuming you don't mean the kind used to assess gum health) cause pain. You see the outer part of a tooth is non-vital/not-alive.
I ask this because in todays society I am keen to alleviate fears, pain caused by the dentist has no place in modern practice.