VIII. Read and translate the text.

An Introduction to Dentistry

Dentistry is the branch of the healing arts and sciences devoted to maintaining the health of the teeth, gums and other hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity and adjacent structures. A dentist is a scientist and clinician dedicated to the highest standards of health through prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the oral diseases and conditions.

The notion of dentists as those who merely “fill the teeth” is completely out-of-date. Today dentists are highly qualified health professionals who provide a wide range of care that contributes greatly to the quality of their patients’ day-to-day lives by preventing tooth decay, periodontal disease, malocclusion, and oral-facial anomalies.

These and other oral disorders can cause significant pain, improper chewing or digestion, dry mouth, abnormal speech, and altered facial appearance. Dentists are also instrumental in early detection of oral cancer and systemic conditions of the body that manifest themselves in the mouth, and they are at the forefront of a range of new developments in cosmetic and aesthetic practices.

There are many clinical fields of dentistry.

General dentists use their oral diagnostic, preventive, surgical, and rehabilitative skills to restore damaged or missing tooth structures and treat diseases in the mouth and adjacent structures.

Endodontists diagnose and treat diseases and injuries that are specific to the dental nerves and pulp (the matter inside the tooth).

Oral pathologists are dental scientists who study and research the causes, processes, and effects of diseases of the mouth cavity.

Orthodontists treat problems related to irregular dental development, missing teeth, and other abnormalities.

Pediatric dentists specialize in treating children from birth to adolescence.

Periodontists diagnose and treat diseases of the gingival tissue and periodontium.

Prosthodontists replace missing teeth with fixed or removable prosthetic appliances.

Dentistry offers an array of professional opportunities from which individuals can choose to best suit their interests.

IX. Answer the following questions.

1. What is dentistry?

2. Who can be called a dentist?

3. What sort of professional care do dentists provide?

4. Why is maintaining dental health so important?

5. How can dentists be helpful with problems unrelated to dental disorders?

6. What professional opportunities does dentistry offer?

7. What do general dentists do?

8. What diseases do endodontists specialize in?

9. Whom do pediatric dentists treat?

10. What is the specialty of periodontists?

11. What can prosthodontists do for the patients?