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ADA website connects patients and dentists

Members of the public can now find an American Dental Association member dentist online. (DTI/Photo ADA)
American Dental Association

American Dental Association

Wed. 11 August 2010

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CHICAGO, IL / NEW YORK, NY, USA: the American Dental Association’s online Find-a-Dentist feature provides members of the public with a list of ADA member dentists based on a ZIP code search. The search works whether a person is searching for a dentist in a particular neighborhood, a specialist or needs dental care while traveling out of state.

“Good oral health is essential to good overall health, and that is why it is very important to see a dentist regularly,” says ADA consumer advisor Dr Sally Cram, a Washington, DC-based periodontist who treats gum disease.

“If you are looking for a general dentist or an accredited dental specialist, the ADA’s Find a Dentist includes features such as office hours, insurance accepted, languages spoken and photos of the dentists,” Dr Cram says. “Finding one is as close to you as your keyboard or mobile device.”

The ADA is reminding the public that in addition to diagnosing and treating teeth and gums, dentists also specialize in the muscles and nerves of the head, neck and jaws; the tongue; and the salivary glands.

During a comprehensive examination, the ADA says, dentists look for abnormalities inside and outside the mouth, such as lumps, swellings, discolorations and ulcerations. When appropriate, dentists perform biopsies and diagnostic tests for infectious diseases and salivary gland function. They also screen for oral cancer and can recognize early warning signs in the mouth that may indicate disease elsewhere in the body.

“It is estimated that 164 million work hours are lost each year because of dental disease,” Dr Cram says. “Much of this can be avoided if people receive routine preventive care from their dentist, brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss once per day and eat a balanced diet.”

The dentist search engine is available on the ADA website, ADA.org, which also provides additional important information to consumers on dental health.

According to a recent ADA survey, consumers’ dental health concerns include cavities, bad breath, swollen gums that bleed and sensitive teeth. Other oral health topics on ADA.org range from baby’s first tooth to oral health needs of older Americans. An extensive video collection of oral health subjects also is available.

(Edited by Fred Michmershuizen, DTA)

 

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