A general dentist helps prevent and restore disorders and diseases affecting the teeth, gums and maxillofacial (associated with the jaw and face) region of the body. General dentists also use restorative dentistry procedures to repair the effects of tooth decay, trauma, defect or disease in areas of the mouth.
General dentists develop a customized dental treatment plan that incorporates dental examination, tooth cleaning, X-ray and use of other diagnostic equipment to prevent, uncover or treat problems as early as possible.