Who profess to exist to help their patients gain oral health?

• A. Individual dentists
• B. Dental hygienists
• C. Oral surgeons
• D. Public health nurses

Answer: (A)

Direct, ongoing care for an individual’s oral health is provided by the dentist. Dentists are the primary clinicians who diagnose dental diseases, create personalized treatment plans, perform restorative and preventive procedures, and monitor a patient’s oral health over time. They coordinate care with other team members, such as dental hygienists, who focus mainly on prevention—cleanings, fluoride treatments, and patient education under the dentist’s supervision. Oral surgeons handle surgical treatments but within the context of individual patient care, while public health nurses work at the community level to promote overall oral health rather than managing one patient’s care. So, the person whose role centers on helping patients gain oral health on an individual basis is the dentist.