Is cosmetic dentistry bad?

[BabyShades]

I found this on Wiki.

" Many dentists refer to themselves as "cosmetic dentists" regardless of their specific education, specialty, training, and experience in this field. This has been considered unethical with a predominant objective of marketing to patients."

I am worried because I wrote that cosmetic dentistry appeals to me in my personal statement that I have already turned in.

My question is I do have the desire to serve people, but mentioning cosmetic dentistry was a bad idea isn't it?

Can you do cosmetic dentistry and increase the wellness of oral health too? I just like the idea of dentists using their creativity and their knowledge of science to increase overall well-being and appearance.

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[BrazilianRider]

There's know way to know for certain, but I doubt it.

Improving oral health directly leads to a nicer smile = more confident patient. As a dentist, you can help the patient in more than one way, similar to a dermatologist. I don't think it'll be an issue.

 

[tooth knockn]

Cosmetic dentistry is just that, cosmetics.....

It is nothing life improving, UNLESS, the PATIENT has to HAVE the perfect smile for what ever reason, such as actors, models, people on tv, other dentists!, or some one with a horrifying grill...


Dentistry is to improve ones oral hygiene by maintaining its function, and removing any problems..

 

[fischook]

Implants, crowns, dentures, orthodontics etc are considered cosmetic... I think you're totally fine

 

[BrazilianRider]

Cosmetic dentistry is just that, cosmetics.....

It is nothing life improving, UNLESS, the PATIENT has to HAVE the perfect smile for what ever reason, such as actors, models, people on tv, other dentists!, or some one with a horrifying grill...


Dentistry is to improve ones oral hygiene by maintaining its function, and removing any problems..

I don't really agree with you here.

Cosmetic Dentistry is a pretty big part of dentistry. Half the reason people go to the dentist is so they have a nice smile. A nice smile is a HUGE confident booster, and it'll help a patient in more ways then just "nice teeth."

I think what Wiki actually says is unethical is people calling themselves "cosmetic dentists" even though they haven't had the proper training, just so that more patients visit them. That is unethical, but I don't think they were saying cosmetic dentistry is unethical.

 

[Psychodent]

If you intend to call yourself a cosmetic dentist without obtaining the necessary education, specialty, training and experience in that field, then you're going to have a problem. But I don't see why a recruiter would look down on an applicant for putting their future goals in their ps.

Incidentally, go into a career for your own reasons, not for the reasons of others. If you're more interested in focusing on cosmetic surgery than oral health, there's nothing inherently wrong with that as long as you maintain the appropriate standards of care held to all professionals.

 

[tooth knockn]

I don't really agree with you here.

Cosmetic Dentistry is a pretty big part of dentistry. Half the reason people go to the dentist is so they have a nice smile. A nice smile is a HUGE confident booster, and it'll help a patient in more ways then just "nice teeth."

Tell that to the government, example Medicaid

 

[tinman831]

There is nothing wrong with saying that you have an interest in cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetics is one of the most important reasons a patient comes to see a dentist.

However, cosmetic dentistry is not a specialty recognized by the ADA. Saying that you are a specialist in cosmetic dentistry is misleading to the public into thinking you have advanced training in the field. In this case it would be considered unethical. There is nothing wrong with saying that you have an interest in cosmetics.

 

[tinman831]

Implants, crowns, dentures, orthodontics etc are considered cosmetic... I think you're totally fine

There are many situations where these treatment options would not just be cosmetic.

 

[BabyShades]

Wow! Thank you for the many responses! I wouldn't think that there are many people that can comfortably answer the question. I do feel that cosmetic and oral health are hand to hand when treating patients. I also work at a dental lab, and I remember seeing most of the scripts from dentists saying make it aesthetically pleasing or something like that. As for the unethical part, I totally misread the whole thing. Thank goodness.. I really thought that I screwed up by writing in my personal statement.

 

[sgv]

Basically what tinman said. The problem isn't with cosmetic dentistry itself. The problem is that distinguishing yourself as a "cosmetic dentist" as if there is some nationally recognized specialty for cosmetic dentists is misleading to the public. The same problem arises with some oral surgeons advertising themselves as "cosmetic surgeons" which is not a recognized specialty. However you can say that you're a diplomate of whatever cosmetic organization.