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Dentistry/Terminology

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Expert: - 4/19/2007


Question
What does these terms means, what do they specialize in and their limitations:- General Dentistry, DDS,PEDO, PROS, and GPENDO.I want to be a well informed customer as I am about to choose a dentist for my children.

Answer
Dear Juliana:
DDS is one degree given by U.S. Dental Colleges.  It stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery.  This is the degree that I have.  The other degree that dentists may obtain is the DMD, or Doctor of Medical Dentistry.  Both DDS and DMD are equivalent.  All dentists in the U.S. will have one or the other of these two degrees behind their name.

PEDO is a shortening of the word "pedodontist", a dentist that specializes in treating dental and oral problems in children.

PROS is short for prosthodontist, a dentist who specializes in replacing missing parts (teeth, bone, other portions of lost oral or peri-oral structures).

GPENDO is not a word with which I am familiar.  But by taking the letters apart, I can speculate.  GP is a dentist in general practice.  A dentist in general practice may do anything that a dentist is licensed to do in his or her state.  This includes treating adults, children, performing fillings, crowns, root canals, gum treatments, bridges, dentures, partials, implants, any and all forms of surgery and treatments of the mouth.  ENDO refers to endodontist, a dentist who specializes in root canal treatment.

You will want to find a wonderful pedodontist, or pediatric dentist.  Your child's first visit will form their opinion of visits to the dentist for a long time to come.  Pediatric dentists are trained to treat children in ways that are non-threatening and comforting.  Good luck.  dd

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Howard Finnk, D.D.S., P.A., CEO

Expertise

I am a Family, Implant and Cosmetic dentist. I will answer questions on any aspect of dentistry and matters relating to the smile, gums, jaws and lower face. Member American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, and Atlantic Coast District Dental Association. I have served as District Council Member of Alpha Omega, as well as serving for one term as its President. I am also a member of The Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, and Mount Sinai Hospital Guild. I have served as a Volunteer for Project Dental Health and The Tri-County Dental Health Council.

Experience

Having attained over 30 years of clinical experience in private practice in Michigan, in 2001 I was re-certified by taking and passing the Florida State Dental Board Examination. After moving to Florida, I spent nearly 10 years re-honing my skills while working as an Associate Dentist for several large dental groups. In September, 2004, I was appointed Adjunct Clinical Professor at Nova University's College of Dental Medicine. I am certified in placement of Mini Dental Implants, and I am Director of The Florida Implant Center (floridaimplantcenter.com). On March 1, 2010, at the age of 62, I began all over again by buying a dental practice near my home in the Fort Lauderdale area. As sole owner and Chief Dental Officer of the new Nob Hill Dental Center (nobhilldentalcenter.com), I can now carefully provide dental care to patients who care, all within a caring, joyful environment. Over my career lifetime, I have provided thousands of diagnoses, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, periodontal treatments, TMJ therapies, partials, dentures and extractions, and dozens of implants for my patients. The only aspect of dentistry with which I have very little experience is orthodontics.

Organizations
American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, Atlantic Coast District Dental Society, Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, Alpha Omega Alumni Association, and American Association of Dental Implantologists. Formerly, American Academy of General Dentistry, Michigan Dental Association, Macomb Dental Society, Detroit District Dental Society, Tri-County Dental Health Council (a charitable dental care organization)

Publications
"How To Save Money At The Dentist" Going to press soon.

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Psychology from Wayne State University Doctor of Dental Surgery from University of Detroit College of Dentistry Adjunct Clinical Professor, Special Needs Department, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Awards and Honors
Membership in The Vedder Honors Society

Past/Present Clients
HIPAA rules do not allow me to post this information.

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