Nathan M. Smith, DMD

Dental Anesthesiologist

Dr. Nathan M. Smith is a Dental Anesthesiologist in Purcellville, VA with special training and skill in delivering anesthesia to help patients manage pain from dental procedures. As a Dental Anesthesiologist, Nathan M. Smith, DMD performs local anesthesia, general anesthesia, and sedation. Dental Anesthesiology is the use of pain management medication in oral surgery and other dental procedures. Significant diseases and conditions treated by Dental Anesthesiologists include tooth decay, gum disease, injury, and tooth loss. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Dental Anesthesiologists include machinery to monitor vital signs and topical, gaseous, and intravenous anesthesia medication.

A dentist who has successfully completed an accredited postdoctoral anesthesiology residency training program for dentists of two or more years duration, in accord with Commission on Dental Accreditation's Standards for Dental Anesthesiology Residency Programs, and/or meets the eligibility requirements for examination by the American Dental Board of Anesthesiology.

Dentist

Dr. Nathan M. Smith is a Dentist in Purcellville, VA with special training and skill in diagnosis and treatment of problems with patients' teeth, gums, lips, and jaw. As a Dentist, Nathan M. Smith, 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.