A dentist in Riverside is a healthcare provider and a trusted partner in maintaining your lifelong oral health. At Riverside Cosmetic Dentist – Dr. Ali Shmara, we believe that understanding what a dentist does, what credentials they hold, and how to evaluate them helps you make confident decisions about your care. Your dentist plays a vital role in protecting your smile and overall well-being whether you’re looking for preventive dental services, advanced cosmetic treatments, or emergency restorative procedures.
What Is a Dentist?
A dentist is a licensed medical professional trained to diagnose, prevent, and treat conditions affecting the teeth, gums, jaw, and mouth. Dentists perform a wide range of dental procedures—from root canals to crowns, dentures, and cosmetic enhancements—to ensure optimal oral health.
A dentist is not simply a cosmetic professional or technician, they are oral health doctors who combine medical science with precision artistry. Every dental procedure, from routine exams to full smile makeovers, is based on years of medical education and clinical experience.
How Many Dentists Are There in Riverside, California?
According to the Dental Board of California data, it is estimated that there is 104,000 licensed dental professionals in the state. While there is no public data specifically for dentists in Riverside, there are many dentists serving both general and specialized needs across Riverside County. This growing community of professionals reflects Riverside’s commitment to quality healthcare and accessibility for residents seeking local dental care.
At Riverside Cosmetic Dentist, we’re proud to be among Riverside’s trusted dental offices, offering a combination of experience, patient-focused care, and leading cosmetic and restorative solutions.
How Many Specialties Does Each Dentist Have?
Most dentists specialize in general dentistry, which includes preventive, diagnostic, and restorative care. However, according to the American Dental Association (ADA), dentistry also includes 12 recognized specialties, each focusing on a specific aspect of oral health. Some dentists pursue additional education and training to gain expertise in multiple specialties, such as cosmetic and restorative dentistry, or implantology and oral surgery.
- Dental Public Health
- Endodontics
- Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
- Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
- Periodontics
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Prosthodontics
- Oral Medicine
- Orofacial Pain
- Dental Anesthesiology
Dental Public Health
Focuses on preventing and controlling dental diseases and promoting oral health through organized community efforts. Dental public health specialists design and implement policies, education programs, and research to improve oral health at a population level.
Endodontics
Specializes in diagnosing and treating issues related to the dental pulp (the nerve and tissue inside the tooth). Endodontists perform procedures like root canal therapy to save natural teeth from infection or decay.
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Involves studying and diagnosing diseases of the mouth, jaw, and related structures through microscopic and clinical examination. Specialists often collaborate with other healthcare providers to identify oral cancers and systemic conditions affecting the mouth.
Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
Focuses on producing and interpreting radiographic (X-ray and imaging) studies for diagnosis of head, neck, and oral conditions. These specialists use advanced imaging technologies such as CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) to detect issues not visible during a standard exam.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
This surgical specialty treats diseases, injuries, and defects of the mouth, jaws, and face. Oral surgeons perform procedures such as wisdom tooth extraction, dental implants, bone grafting, and corrective jaw surgery.
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
Focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. Orthodontists use appliances like braces or aligners to improve both oral function and facial aesthetics.
Pediatric Dentistry
Provides specialized dental care for infants, children, and adolescents, including those with special health needs. Pediatric dentists ensure healthy oral development and teach preventive habits from an early age.
Periodontics
Concentrates on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease and supporting structures of the teeth. Periodontists perform procedures like scaling and root planing, gum grafts, and dental implant placement.
Prosthodontics
Specializes in restoring and replacing missing teeth with crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants. Prosthodontists design custom restorations that improve appearance, comfort, and function.
Oral Medicine
Deals with the diagnosis and non-surgical management of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial region. Oral medicine specialists often treat patients with chronic pain, mucosal disorders, and oral complications of systemic diseases.
Orofacial Pain
A newer specialty focusing on the diagnosis and management of complex pain disorders involving the mouth, jaws, face, and related structures. Specialists help patients with conditions such as TMJ disorders (TMD) and neuropathic facial pain.
Dental Anesthesiology
Dedicated to managing pain and anxiety during dental treatment through sedation and general anesthesia. Dental anesthesiologists are trained to safely provide anesthesia to patients of all ages, including those with medical complexities.
At Dr. Ali Shmara’s practice, our focus is on general and cosmetic dentistry, providing comprehensive treatment that enhances both function and aesthetics.
Types of Dentists
Dentistry includes multiple branches, each addressing different aspects of oral care. Here are the main types:
General Dentist
Focuses on preventive care, routine exams, fillings, crowns, and overall oral health maintenance.
Cosmetic Dentist
Specializes in smile enhancement through veneers, whitening, bonding, and aesthetic restorations.
Pediatric Dentist
Provides care for infants, children, and teens in a gentle, development-focused environment.
Orthodontist
Corrects teeth alignment and bite issues using braces, Invisalign®, and other orthodontic treatments.
Periodontist
Treats gum disease and performs gum grafting and dental implant procedures.
Endodontist
Specializes in root canal therapy and treating infections inside the tooth.
Oral Surgeon
Performs complex surgical procedures like extractions, bone grafting, and jaw reconstruction.
At our Riverside office, Dr. Ali Shmara combines the precision of general dentistry with the artistry of cosmetic care—helping every patient achieve a healthy, confident smile they’re proud to share.
What Are the Credentials That a Dentist Can Have?
Dentists hold various degrees and certifications that reflect their education, licensing, and specialized training. Below are the most common credentials you’ll see:
DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery)
Awarded to dentists who have completed an accredited dental program focused on surgical and restorative dental care.
DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry)
Equivalent to a DDS, with emphasis on medical sciences in relation to oral health.
Board Certification
Recognition from the American Board of Dental Specialties for achieving advanced clinical expertise in a specific field (such as orthodontics, periodontics, or oral surgery).
FAGD (Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry)
Indicates completion of extensive continuing education and a high level of commitment to ongoing professional development.
MAGD (Master of the Academy of General Dentistry)
One of the most prestigious honors, awarded to dentists who demonstrate mastery in multiple areas of general dentistry.
State License (California Dental Board)
Required credential verifying that the dentist meets the professional standards to practice in California.
Dr. Shmara maintains all required California dental credentials and is dedicated to continuing education, ensuring patients receive the highest quality and most up-to-date care available.
Dentist Reviews, Ratings, and Trust
When choosing a dentist, patient reviews, ratings, and before-and-after results are key indicators of quality and trust. Online platforms such as Google, Yelp, and Healthgrades allow patients to share real experiences that reflect a dentist’s professionalism, chairside manner, and treatment outcomes.
At Riverside Cosmetic Dentist – Dr. Ali Shmara, our patients consistently highlight the comfort of their visits, the transparency of our care plans, and the natural, confident smiles achieved through our work. We encourage new patients to explore our before-and-after portfolio and read testimonials that showcase the life-changing impact of expert cosmetic dentistry.