General dentists focus on preventing and treating dental disease, while cosmetic dentists specialize in improving the appearance of teeth and smiles. Both complete the same core dental training; cosmetic dentists then pursue additional education in aesthetic techniques, materials, and smile design. At Sola Dental Spa in Staten Island, our dentists provide both general care and advanced cosmetic treatment, so patients do not have to guess which one they need.
What does a general dentist do?
General dentists act as primary care providers for oral health. They diagnose, prevent, and treat a broad range of dental conditions for patients of all ages, with the goal of keeping teeth, gums, and the supporting bone healthy over the long term. When a case goes beyond their scope, general dentists routinely refer patients to specialists such as periodontists, oral surgeons, or endodontists.
How much training does it take to become a general dentist?
Becoming a general dentist requires roughly eight years of education: four years of undergraduate study followed by four years of dental school, ending in a DDS or DMD degree. Some dentists add an optional post-graduate residency for additional clinical experience.
What does a cosmetic dentist do differently?
Cosmetic dentistry is not a formally recognized ADA specialty, so any licensed dentist can legally offer cosmetic services. In practice, though, there is a real difference between a general dentist who occasionally offers a cosmetic procedure and a dentist who has invested substantially in post-graduate cosmetic training, equipment, and continuing education. Cosmetic dentists plan and execute treatments built around whitening, porcelain veneers, implants placed for smile restoration, composite bonding, gum recontouring, and full smile makeovers, weighing tooth proportion, color harmony, and facial symmetry as part of the plan.
What extra training separates a serious cosmetic dentist from the rest?
Cosmetic dentists who pursue accreditation through the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry must document clinical cases, pass written examinations, and submit completed work for peer review. That process is what separates a general practitioner who occasionally dabbles in cosmetics from a dentist who has committed to mastering aesthetic outcomes.
How do their services compare?
| General Dentist | Cosmetic Dentist |
|---|---|
| Cleanings and checkups | Porcelain veneers |
| Fillings and cavity treatment | Professional teeth whitening |
| Root canals | Composite bonding |
| Extractions | Dental implants for smile restoration |
| Gum disease treatment | Gum recontouring |
| Referrals to specialists as needed | Comprehensive smile makeovers |
Which one do you actually need?
If your goal is maintaining oral health, treating disease, or addressing pain, a general dentist is the right provider to see. If your goal is improving the appearance of your smile through veneers, implants, whitening, or a full makeover, a cosmetic dentist with documented training and a portfolio of completed cases is the better fit. At Sola Dental Spa, our dentists provide both general dental care and advanced cosmetic treatment such as a Hollywood smile makeover, so patients get an honest recommendation instead of a one-size-fits-all answer.
“A lot of patients come in assuming they need a cosmetic specialist when what they actually need is a filling or a cleaning first. Good cosmetic work only holds up on a healthy foundation, so we always start with the general exam before we talk about veneers or whitening.”
Dr. Anne Gershkowitz, DDS, Founder, Sola Dental Spa
Is dentistry a growing field?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $170,910 for dentists as of May 2023, with overall dentist employment projected to grow 5 percent from 2023 to 2033. Cosmetic dentists with advanced training typically earn toward the higher end of that range, reflecting the additional education and equipment their practices require.
Frequently asked questions
Can my general dentist do cosmetic work too?
Many general dentists offer basic cosmetic services like whitening or bonding, but complex cases such as full veneers or a smile makeover are better handled by a dentist with dedicated cosmetic training.
Is cosmetic dentistry covered by insurance?
Rarely. Most cosmetic procedures are considered elective and are not covered, while procedures that also restore function, such as certain crowns or implants, may be partially covered.
How do I know if a dentist is qualified to do cosmetic work?
Look for continuing education in cosmetic techniques, a portfolio of completed cases, and credentials such as accreditation through the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Do I need a referral to see a cosmetic dentist?
No referral is required. You can schedule a cosmetic consultation directly, though many patients start with their general dentist for an initial exam.
What is the first step if I want a smile makeover?
Start with a consultation where the dentist examines your teeth and gums, discusses your goals, and recommends a plan, which may combine whitening, veneers, or bonding depending on what your smile needs.
Do general and cosmetic dentists ever work together?
Yes. Many patients start with a general dentist for an exam and any necessary restorative work, then move on to cosmetic treatment, sometimes with the same provider, once the underlying dental health is stable. At Sola Dental Spa, that coordination happens under one roof instead of requiring multiple referrals between separate offices.
Can a cosmetic dentist also treat cavities?
If the same dentist is licensed for general dentistry, yes. Cosmetic dentists are still fully qualified general dentists who have pursued additional aesthetic training, so many offer both types of care.
What should I bring to a cosmetic consultation?
Bring a list of your goals, any relevant dental records or X-rays, and photos of smiles you like, since these help the dentist plan a treatment that fits your face and expectations.
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