What is the primary responsibility of a dentist?

The primary responsibility of a dentist is to examine teeth and mouth tissues to diagnose and treat diseases. This encompasses a wide range of activities, including conducting examinations, identifying dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancers, and recommending appropriate treatment options. Dentists also educate patients about oral health and preventive care, emphasizing the importance of maintaining good hygiene practices to prevent future problems.

In contrast, while performing dental surgeries is a critical function of some dentists, it is a subset of their overall responsibilities rather than their primary focus. Assisting patients with dental insurance claims and managing office staff are also important tasks within a dental practice, but they fall outside the core clinical duties that define a dentist's role. The main emphasis of a dentist's training and practice is centered on patient care through examination and treatment of oral health issues.