General dentistry is a branch of medicine involving the care and prevention of oral health conditions, diseases and disorders. It is our responsibility to provide preventative care and patient education to promote a healthy smile for life and preclude the need for treatments. Dr. Berman is also responsible for diagnosing conditions that affect the mouth, teeth, gums and jaws, as well as developing the most effective treatment plan with his patient’s best interests in mind.
Dr. Berman, like many general dentists, attended and completed dental school to achieve a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). Upon completion, dentists take national and state licensure exams, which prove a proficiency to practice. Upon passing the exams, state licensure is awarded on an individual basis. After this, some dentists choose, as did Dr. Berman, to continue advanced training through a residency program to broaden and enhance their skills.
General dentists typically do not focus on any particular specialty, instead opting to provide generalized dental care to patients. In some cases, general dentists may refer a patient to a specialty provider for care or treatment that is beyond the scope of general dentistry. However, most general dentists are capable of providing comprehensive examinations, cleanings, root canals, fillings, extractions and tooth prosthetics. Dr. Berman's choice to pursue training beyond the scope of routine dentistry enables him to provide additional services in house that other offices may not be able to provide, including placement and restoring dental implants.
General dentistry is best for preventive care, rather than for corrective treatment. By visiting Dr. Berman twice annually for cleaning and examination, patients can avoid decay and identify potential oral health conditions, such as periodontal disease, in their earliest stages. However, even if a problem is noted in the later stages, there are solutions which can be implemented to correct them.