Dental Care
A general dentist is the primary care dental provider. A general dentist cleans and examines teeth and provides services such as gum care, fillings, crowns, bridges, and more. Americans usually have their teeth cleaned and examined by a professional dentist every 6 months.
All practicing general dentists have earned either a DDS degree (doctor of dental surgery) or DMD degree (doctor of dental medicine). There is no difference between the two degrees or the curriculum requirements.
Routine dental care is not covered under many health insurance plans, but Partners employees are offered separate dental insurance to cover all or some of the cost of cleanings and other treatments. The personnel office at the hospital where you work can provide more information about dental insurance.
Detailed information on dental care can be found on the website of the American Dental Association: www.ada.org.