Specialties and roles
General dentist
Also called family dentist
The main dentist who provides checkups, fillings, crowns and other everyday care, and refers to specialists when needed.
A general dentist is the primary dental provider for most patients. They examine the teeth and gums, find problems early, and handle everyday treatment such as fillings, crowns, extractions and dentures. When a case needs special training, they refer the patient to a specialist and often coordinate care afterward. Front-desk staff handle many referral details, so knowing who treats what helps with scheduling and insurance questions.
Example at the front desk
Dr. Evans can do the crown here, but the root canal is going to the endodontist.