Preventive Dentistry is Key to Dental Health

Our first class in Case Western Reserve University's dental program in Cleveland, Ohio was called "Health, Science and Society," a three-week intensive sequence that provided the foundation for our dental education.  It also introduced us to the mission of our profession; "to protect and improve the oral health of individuals and the society." 

The class focused on the importance of preventive dentistry versus restorative dentistry and the importance of community dentistry.  At many dental schools their traditional curriculums do not focus on these ideals, however at Case these become the foundation for our way of thinking.  A major reason I chose Case was because these ideals were so strongly rooted in our curriculum.  I had chosen dentistry as a career because I wanted to help people, and from the very first day of class I realized Case was going to teach me how to do that.

Community dentistry is the idea of treating the dental needs of the community, not just the individual. This is done through public awareness, water fluoridation, dental programs and community services.  Our school offers students a chance to implement this practice. We went to City of Cleveland Public Schools Municipal School District and placed dental sealants on all second, third and sixth graders permanent molars. 

Preventive dentistry is a part of dentistry that focuses on the dental procedures and at home practices that prevent the start of or progression of dental disease.  An important aspect of preventive dentistry is patient education. 

Preventive dental care starts with an examination that inspects the mouth for signs of periodontal disease and dental decay, as well as other changes in the soft tissue of the mouth, which could be precancerous.

Periodontal literally means "around the tooth." Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, deals with the structures that anchor and support the tooth: gums, connective tissue and the bone.   If left untreated, periodontal disease could result in the destruction these structures. 

Over time, untreated periodontal disease can lead to loss of teeth.  Preventive care includes a teeth cleaning, which removes accumulations of plaque and calculus (tarter).  A dentist may prescribe fluoride supplements or applications. 

Also, dentists may apply sealants to children's teeth that fill in the deep grooves and pits in the posterior teeth, helping to prevent decay.  Lastly, the dentist will educate the patient on at home care and nutrition: at home care should include brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily. 

Through community and preventive dentistry dentists can help treat problems in the early stages or hopefully prevent them all together.  These ideals have become my way of thinking since I started at Case. 

Check back soon to read about my experiences with community and preventive dentistry in Cleveland and also in Guatemala.