General Dentistry in Downtown Los Angeles
The most common dental health provider that many people visit regularly is the general dentist. This is because the primary role of general dentistry—especially in Downtown Los Angeles—is to prevent dental diseases before they occur. Most of the procedures performed by general dentists are aimed at either diagnosing existing conditions or helping to prevent future problems.
General dentists play a vital role in educating patients about the importance of maintaining proper oral hygiene. Good oral hygiene directly contributes to overall oral health. It’s their responsibility to help patients prevent dental diseases that typically develop over time due to poor habits. When dental issues are ignored, they can lead to severe pain, costly treatment, and time away from work or school—often for something that could have been easily avoided with early care.
Who Do General Dentists Treat?
General dentists are not limited to treating a specific group of people. They provide care to patients of all ages and genders, making them ideal family dentists. At Smile LA Modern Dentistry, our experienced general dentists handle routine dental needs, while our specialists take care of more complex cases across various fields of dentistry.
What Do General Dentists Do?
A general dentist conducts a comprehensive examination of your mouth—including your teeth, gums, jaws, and roots. They also perform professional cleanings to remove plaque and buildup that regular brushing and flossing may miss.
In addition, they consult with you about your oral health, offering tips on what to do, what to avoid, and how to improve your routine. For example, if you have a decaying tooth, the dentist may recommend a filling—a procedure they can usually perform unless the case is more advanced.
It’s estimated that over 143,000 dentists are registered with the American Dental Association (ADA) in North America. Of these, approximately 80% practice general dentistry. In Downtown Los Angeles, general dentistry encompasses a wide range of services. It’s not limited to a single specialty but rather includes:
Preventive services (e.g., cleanings, exams, fluoride treatments)
Restorative care (e.g., fillings, crowns, bridges)
Cosmetic procedures (e.g., whitening, bonding)
Comprehensive oral health monitoring
Qualifications of a General Dentist
To become a general dentist, one must first earn a bachelor’s degree in dentistry from an accredited institution. Upon graduation, the title earned is either:
Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
These titles are interchangeable—they differ only in name, not in training or scope of practice. Both require the same level of education, clinical experience, and board certification.
