Scott W. Otterson, DMD

Endodontist

Dr. Scott W. Otterson is an Endodontist in Ft Shafter, HI with special training and skill in preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions of the dental pulp (the soft tissue inside teeth). As an Endodontist, Scott W. Otterson, DMD performs maintenance and treatment of dental pulp diseases or injuries. Endodontics is a dental specialty that maintains dental pulp health. Significant diseases and conditions treated by Endodontists include cavities, tooth cracks, dental abscesses, dental pulp stones, exposed dental pulp, and pulp necrosis. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Endodontists include consultations, root canals, dental implants, and endodontic surgery.

The branch of dentistry that is concerned with the morphology, physiology and pathology of the human dental pulp and periradicular tissues. Its study and practice encompass the basic and clinical sciences including biology of the normal pulp, the etiology, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases and injuries of the pulp and associated periradicular conditions.

Dentist

Dr. Scott W. Otterson is a Dentist in Ft Shafter, HI with special training and skill in diagnosis and treatment of problems with patients' teeth, gums, lips, and jaw. As a Dentist, Scott W. Otterson, DMD performs dental procedures focused on prevention of oral diseases such as tooth decay and periodontal disease. Dentistry is a branch of medicine concerned with study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases affecting the oral cavity. Significant diseases and conditions treated by Dentists include tooth cavities, gum disease, bad breath, tooth sensitivity, mouth sores, tooth erosion, and dental emergencies. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Dentists include dental examinations, filling cavities, removing tooth decay, repairing cracked teeth, performing root canals, and removing teeth.

A dentist is a person qualified by a doctorate in dental surgery (D.D.S.) or dental medicine (D.M.D.), licensed by the state to practice dentistry, and practicing within the scope of that license. There is no difference between the two degrees: dentists who have a DMD or DDS have the same education. Universities have the prerogative to determine what degree is awarded. Both degrees use the same curriculum requirements set by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation. Generally, three or more years of undergraduate education plus four years of dental school is required to graduate and become a general dentist. State licensing boards accept either degree as equivalent, and both degrees allow licensed individuals to practice the same scope of general dentistry. Additional post-graduate training is required to become a dental specialist.