Happy National Dentist’s Day! Today is a day to celebrate all of the hard work that dentists do to keep our teeth healthy and our smiles bright. But what exactly does it take to become a dentist? Let’s take a closer look at the dental profession and its importance. And be sure to show your appreciation for your own dentist today – it’s their special day, after all! Thanks for reading.
What is National Dentist’s Day and when is it celebrated?
National Dentist’s Day is an annual celebration of the contribution dentists make to preserving oral health and advancing the field of dentistry. It’s held on March 6 each year, and it provides a great opportunity for us all to thank our dentists for their hard work in keeping our smiles bright. On this day, we can take some extra time to appreciate both the progress that has been made and the things that are still being done in the dental profession, such as increasing levels of education required to become a dentist, further research into tooth decay prevention, and greater public awareness of dental hygiene. With so much to learn about dental history and information available on educational requirements, National Dentist’s Day is certainly something we should recognize!
What does it take to become a dentist?
Becoming a dentist is more involved than you may think. Here is a brief outline of the steps to become a dentist:
Undergraduate degree: After high school, attend a 4-year college or university to earn a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field. Also take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT)
Dental School: After earning a bachelor’s degree, attend a dental school program, which usually takes 4 years to complete. The first two years are dental courses, while the last two years students will participate in clinical training to gain hands-on experience in treating patients. Upon completion, students will be awarded with a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) degree.
Dental License: After completing dental school and clinical training, pass the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) and a state clinical board exam to receive a dental license.
Becoming a successful dentist isn’t easy but it can be incredibly rewarding—as proven by the annual celebration that takes place on National Dentist Day!
How can you celebrate National Dentist’s Day this year?
National Dentist’s Day is a time to celebrate and pay thanks to our dedicated dentists. This year, why not show your appreciation with a dental visit? Visiting the dentist is important for maintaining a healthy smile, as regular check-ups can detect and prevent more extensive problems from developing. Not only does good dental hygiene prevent cavities and gum disease, but can also help preserve your teeth for life! It’s best to practice proper protocols at home too – brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss between teeth once daily, and don’t forget to replace your toothbrush at least every 3 months. Eating crunchy fruits and vegetables such as apples or carrots may give you an extra boost of plaque-removing power – just remember not to substitute them in place of brushing and flossing! Keeping up with your schedule of 6 month check-ups will help make sure your dentist can catch issues before they become major ones. National Dentist Day is right around the corner – it pays off to show your pearly whites some love!
What happens during a dental checkup?
Visiting the dentist may feel intimidating, but getting a regular dental checkup is important for your oral health. During a dental checkup, your dentist will usually start by taking some x-rays of your teeth and conduct an exam to look for cavities, cracked or damaged teeth, and gum disease. Then they’ll remove any plaque and tartar build-up that has developed since the last visit, and apply fluoride to protect your teeth. Lastly, they might recommend preventative or restorative treatments to protect or restore your teeth and gums. With regular dental checkups, you can keep an eye on your oral health and make sure any problems get fixed quickly before becoming bigger issues!
Staff Spotlight–Our Dentists
For National Dentist Day, we have to spotlight our wonderful dentists. Our dentists are an integral part of our staff and we’re thrilled to provide a platform to shine a spotlight on them!
Dr. Roman Fedorciw
Dr. Roman Fedorciw has been in private practice in Cromwell since 1991. He received his undergraduate degree from New York University where he also attended New York University College of Dentistry. Upon receiving his dental degree, he completed a general practice residency at Long Island College Hospital.
As a faculty member at University of Connecticut Dental School, he participates in the mentorship program for dental students.
Dr. Fedorciw is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the American Dental Association. He is also a member of the Connecticut Dental Association and Middlesex County Dental Association.
Dr. Fedorciw has been acknowledged by his peers as one of the “Top Dentists” in Hartford County by Hartford Magazine and in the state of Connecticut by Connecticut Magazine.
Dr. Mehran Massoumi
Dr. Mehran Massoumi attended Syracuse University for his undergraduate education. After completion of his dental degree from New York University College of Dentistry, he served a two-year residency at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York.
He continued his formal education by completing a fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Massoumi holds the prestigious Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry and is a member of the American Dental Association, Connecticut Dental Association, and the Middlesex Dental Association.
Dr. Massoumi has also been named as one of the “Top Dentists” in Hartford County by Hartford Magazine.
Dr. Alexa Kolbig
Dr. Alexa Kolbig earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the University of Connecticut. After receiving her dental degree, Dr. Kolbig completed a one year intensive general practice residency program at Danbury Hospital in Connecticut.
Dr. Kolbig recognizes the importance of developing a trusting doctor-patient relationship, and how critical that relationship is for ensuring high quality care and the most favorable outcome for the patient.
Dr. Kolbig is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Dental Association. She enjoys spending time with her husband on the ski slopes in Vermont and wakeboarding on the lake in her spare time.
Happy National Dentist’s Day!
National Dentist’s Day is celebrated every year on March 6th in honor of dentistry and dental health education. You can celebrate National Dentist’s Day this year by scheduling a dental exam or teeth cleaning, or by simply taking care of your own pearly whites at home. Remember, it’s important to see a dentist regularly and to practice good oral hygiene habits like brushing and flossing daily. During a routine checkup, the dentist will examine your teeth and gums, looking for any signs of cavities or other problems. So make sure to schedule an appointment soon! And in the meantime, be sure to brush up on your dental history knowledge–you might just learn something new!
