What is a General Dentist?

A general dentist is your primary care provider for all things related to oral health. They diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of dental needs—from routine cleanings and preventive exams to fillings, crowns, and more complex restorative procedures. Think of them as the dental equivalent of a family doctor: trained to care for patients of all ages and equipped to handle most dental concerns in one office. Whether you’re dealing with a cavity, a chipped tooth, or simply need guidance on maintaining a healthy smile, your general dentist is your go-to expert.

Beyond the basics, general dentists also play a key role in identifying how oral health connects to your overall well-being. Many offer cosmetic services like teeth whitening or veneers, and some provide treatments for sleep apnea, jaw pain (TMJ disorders), or early signs of systemic conditions like diabetes and heart disease. With regular visits to a general dentist, you not only protect your teeth and gums—you support your long-term health.

Of an estimated 202,304 dentists practicing in the United States, approximately 79% percent are general dentists.

What Do General Dentists Do?

Unlike specialists, who are mostly focused on a particular aspect of dental practice, general dentists provide a wide array of services that are vital to your continued health, including:

Preventive Services – General dentists are your first line of defense against oral health problems, helping you avoid dental issues before they start. This includes routine oral exams, digital diagnostic imaging like low-radiation X-rays or 3D cone beam scans, and professional cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup. Dentists also provide personalized guidance to improve your brushing and flossing techniques at home. Depending on your age, risk factors, and health status, they may recommend preventive treatments such as fluoride applications, dental sealants, or antimicrobial rinses. If you grind your teeth (bruxism) or participate in sports, your general dentist can create custom-fit nightguards or athletic mouthguards to protect your teeth from damage.

Restorative Services – When dental problems do arise, your general dentist works to save your smile. The most common restorative procedure is removing tooth decay and placing a filling. This helps to save natural tooth structure and prevent further damage. General dentists can also diagnose and treat gum disease, repair broken or chipped teeth, perform root canal therapy. manage tooth sensitivity, and handle dental emergencies such as avulsed (knocked-out) teeth or dental abscesses. They also provide tooth replacement options, including crowns, bridges, and full or partial dentures, and a growing number are trained in placing and restoring dental implants. In 2025, digital impressions and same-day crowns using CAD/CAM technology are also becoming more widely available in general practices.

Cosmetic Procedures – A beautiful smile can enhance confidence, and some general dentists are skilled in cosmetic treatments. They can brighten your teeth with in-office or take-home whitening systems, correct chips or gaps with cosmetic bonding, and enhance tooth shape and alignment with custom veneers. For patients seeking a complete transformation, a general dentist can design a personalized smile makeover that balances aesthetics with oral health.

Overall Health and Systemic Wellness – Your oral health is closely connected to your overall health. General dentists are trained to recognize how conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders may manifest in the mouth and how oral infections can, in turn, impact systemic health. For example, gum disease has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular complications and poor diabetes management. General dentists screen for oral cancer, TMJ disorders, and signs of eating disorders or nutritional deficiencies. Many general dentists now collaborate with medical providers to treat obstructive sleep apnea, often using custom-fitted oral appliances as an alternative to CPAP.

They may also provide support for tobacco cessation, dietary counseling, and early detection of conditions like osteoporosis or acid reflux based on oral symptoms, an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease, and complications during pregnancy. General dentists are trained to identify these and other issues, and offer appropriate treatment or referral when needed. A general dentist can also offer treatment of TMJ disorders and oral cancer screenings. Working with your doctor, they can treat obstructive sleep apnea, a potentially deadly condition that can sometimes be resolved with an oral appliance. General dentists can also offer nutritional counseling, advice on tobacco cessation and general health and wellness information.

What Qualifications Do General Dentists Have?

After completing their undergraduate education, all general dentists have successfully completed four years at an accredited dental school. In addition, they have fulfilled the requirements (including testing and continuing education) of state licensing boards. Some dentists have the initials DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) following their names, while others have DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery). The only difference between the two is the title used on their dental school’s degrees; their education and training is exactly the same.

In addition to their standard training, some general dentists may opt to take special training in particular areas. This could be a year-long general practice residency (which may include a focus on implant placement) or multiple years in specialty residencies such as periodontal, oral surgery, endodontics, prosthodontics, orthodontal, pediatric or oral medicine.

When Should I See The Dentist?

The short answer is: This varies according to your oral and overall health needs. The ADA recommends that you ask your dentist how often you need to get regular checkups. Typically, your dentist will want you to get a checkup at least twice a year. Apart from your regular checkups, you should make an appointment whenever you have a concern about your oral health. You may have a clear signal (such as a toothache or bleeding gums) that something in your mouth needs attention. Or, you may have heard of a cosmetic procedure that you’d like to find out more about. In either case, don’t hesitate to call the dental office.

In terms of routine dental appointments, there isn’t a single schedule that fits all patients. Depending on your individual circumstances, your dentist may want to see you twice a year, every three months, or another interval. Whatever it is, be sure to make those appointments. Keeping up with the recommended schedule of preventive treatment and practicing effective oral hygiene at home are the two best ways to prevent dental disease and keep your smile healthy as you age.

If your budget doesn’t allow you to see the dentist as often as you should, consider joining a dental savings plan. Dental savings plans, sometimes called dental discount plans, offer an alternative to traditional insurance. These plans typically provide a discount on many dental services, members report saving an average of 50% on their dental care needs.

Unlike dental insurance, dental savings plans don’t have deductibles, annual limits or waiting before you qualify for reduced rates. You can use your plan within 1-3 business days of joining to save on virtually all your dental care. Want a quick peek at how much you can save on your dental care right now? Use our calculator below. Need a dentist? Find the perfect dentist for you.

*Discount Health Program consumer and provider surveys indicate average savings of 50%. Savings may vary by provider, location, and plan.