You have questions, we have answers! If you have a specific question about your oral health or a treatment you’re interested in, then please don’t hesitate to give us a call or talk to Dr. Hightower at your next appointment. If, on the other hand, you simply want to continue your research online, then keep reading!
How can I find a female dentist?
Although dentistry was once a male-dominated industry, more than 50% of current dental students and about 33% of practicing dentists are female. If you are looking for a female dentist in your area, then you have a few options, including asking your loved ones for recommendations and typing “female dentist near me” into Google.
Of course, our top-rated dental team at Ambiance Dental Spa is also led by an exceptional female dentist, Dr. Clarine Green Hightower. You can learn all about what inspired her to pursue a career in dentistry, where she studied, and more right
here
!
How do I get emergency dental care?
Amid a dental injury – from a painful toothache to a loose restoration or knocked-out tooth – there are countless questions on your mind. Most notably, “Where should I turn for help?” To determine the answer, you must first assess the situation and take note of your symptoms. Are you struggling to breathe? Have you fractured your jaw? Are you having trouble swallowing? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions or you’re experiencing another potentially life-threatening symptom, head to the ER immediately.
With all of that said, hospitals don’t usually have a dentist on-staff. That’s why we only recommend going to the ER if you need medical attention. If, however, you need treatment for a toothache, gum inflammation, damaged restorations, or something similar, then calling our dental team is the best thing to do.
What level of education is required to be a dentist?
Becoming a dentist starts with an undergraduate degree. Next, they must be accepted to an accredited dental school in the U.S. and complete three years of hands-on and classroom training. Even when they’ve earned their Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or a Doctor of Dental Sciences (DDS), their educational journey is far from over. To keep their license, they must pursue continuing education hours annually, and many dentists complete advanced training and additional certifications on top of that. Dr. Hightower is a great example! In addition to studying at Howard University College of Dentistry and completing an Advanced General Residency, she has maintained active memberships with professional organizations, like the Maryland Dental Association, and earned certifications for Invisalign and Six Month Smiles!
What do you do if you can't afford a dentist?
If you’re worried about the cost of your treatment, we encourage you to talk to our team before simply assuming that taking care of your smile is too expensive. Remember, we offer our patients multiple financial solutions – from dental insurance and flexible financing to our very own membership plan!