About the Department

The General Dentist as Patient Advocate & Manager

Modern health care requires caring, competent primary care providers who place patient welfare above all other considerations. In dentistry, the General Dentist fulfills that role. 

The traditional term, “Attending Doctor” indicates such a doctor / patient relationship, and signifies the philosophy of the Department that the general dentist is responsible for leading diagnostic, treatment planning, and therapeutic endeavors for all patients under his or her care.

The nine dental specialties support general attending dentists by providing expert care for those patients whose diagnostic or treatment needs demand advanced levels of skill and expertise. It is the responsibility of the general dentist to lead the referral team and constantly insure that the best interests of the patient are met.