Hammaslääkärin

Hammaslääkärin is a Finnish term derived from hammaslääkäri and appears in genitive form in phrases such as hammaslääkärin vastaanotto (the dentist’s reception) or hammaslääkärin ammatti (the profession of dentistry). In practice, the word denotes the dental professional responsible for the care of teeth, gums, and the surrounding oral tissues.

A dentist’s responsibilities include the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dental and oral diseases. Typical duties involve routine examinations, radiographic imaging, and the development of treatment plans. Procedures commonly performed by general dentists include fillings, root canal therapy, tooth extractions, crowns and bridges, implants, and periodontal treatments. Dentists also provide preventive care, perform patient education on oral hygiene, and may apply local anesthesia during procedures. Many dentists work in private practices, but they can also be employed in public clinics or hospital settings. They collaborate with dental hygienists, dental nurses, and dental technicians to deliver patient care.

Education and licensing requirements for becoming a dentist generally include completing a university-level dental program, which lasts several years and culminates in a degree enabling licensure. After graduation, candidates must obtain a professional license from the relevant health authority and adhere to ongoing continuing education requirements to maintain licensure. Dentistry also offers several recognized specialties, such as orthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and pediatric dentistry, each requiring additional training and certification.

See also: Dentistry, Dental education, Oral health.