The profession of dentist is one of primary importance: it is the only branch of medicine to have the mouth and teeth as an object of interest. It is also, for those who practice it, like Dr. Prud’homme and Dr. Éthier, an exciting and enriching field that allows medical knowledge and techniques to be combined with human work. This last aspect is of great importance, because the bond developed between the dentist and his patients is at the heart of the highly supervised practice and its mission: to ensure that as many people as possible enjoy good oral health. .
To better understand the training path of dentists in Quebec and the role they play with their patients, your Sainte-Julie team offers you this informative article.
A profession based on advanced and highly supervised training
To obtain their title and right to practice, general dentists, also called dental surgeons, must graduate from a Doctor of Dentistry program. Before that, they must first go through a rigorous selection process. First, only candidates with the best academic records are selected. However, this does not guarantee their admission into one of the 3 programs offered in Quebec. They must still pass the Dental Aptitude Test , administered by the Canadian Dental Association and aimed at qualifying candidates and helping faculties in their selection.
During university training, which generally lasts 4 years, future dentists develop know-how and acquire varied knowledge relating to various recognized dental disciplines (surgery, orthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, etc.). This will ultimately allow them to take care of all the structures of the mouth and treat various types of problems. In addition, it must be considered that dentists must, throughout their career, carry out continuing education, particularly during congresses and conferences of all kinds. This is a rule inherent to all dentists who are members in good standing of the Order of Dentists of Quebec.
A supervised practice
Despite the value of studies and training, it is not enough to have a doctorate in dentistry from a recognized university to be able to practice in Quebec. Graduates must obtain a practice permit issued, following an examination, by the Order of Dentists of Quebec, whose mission is to supervise practice to ensure the public receives care carried out according to the rules of the art. .
A practice focused on overall oral health
In their everyday practice, dentists are called upon to perform different tasks aimed at the same objective: maintaining the oral health of each patient. Among them, we count:
Diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions of the mouth and teeth;
Prevention of oral diseases through correction or control of harmful habits and patient education. Your dentist and his dental hygienist colleagues are also best placed to advise you on the actions to take, on a daily basis, to ensure the good health of your smile;
Performing oral surgeries (dental extractions, grafts, etc.) aimed at preserving the integrity of the mouth and its structures;
The repair of teeth and other tissues of the mouth (gum, periodontium) having suffered damage following oral diseases (deep decay, gum disease) or trauma (shock or blow suffered by the mouth);
Improving the visual qualities of the teeth (color of the teeth, alignment of the smile, regularity of the smile, etc.) through aesthetic care and orthodontic treatments aimed at maintaining good self-esteem;
The aesthetic and functional rehabilitation of missing teeth through the use of varied dental replacements adapted to the needs and situation of each individual.
Dentist-patient relationships: the importance of the bond of trust!
In order to allow your dentist at the Caroline Prud’homme Dental Center in Sainte-Julie to fulfill all these roles (prevention, treatment of diseases, improvement of the appearance of the teeth), it is essential to visit her on a regular basis. Not only does this make rapid detection and treatment of oral problems possible, but it is easier to develop an essential bond of trust. This way, you will be able to better communicate your needs to the dentist and the latter will be able to respond to them using appropriate and personalized means!
