What is a Stomatologist? Definition and Difference from a Dentist

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A stomatologist is a medical specialist in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases affecting the mouth, teeth, gums, jaw and all associated oral structures — including the periodontium, temporomandibular joint, neuromuscular system and oral cavity. Despite the similarity to the word “stomach”, stomatology has nothing to do with digestive medicine — it derives from the Greek stoma, meaning mouth.

Stomatologists are qualified through a Medicine and Surgery degree rather than a dedicated Dentistry programme. In countries such as Spain, both qualifications confer equivalent clinical competencies — a stomatologist and a dentist can diagnose, treat and prevent the same oral conditions. The primary difference lies in the title and academic route, not in clinical scope.

If you are considering dental treatment abroad, understanding who will treat you and what their qualifications mean is an important part of choosing the right clinic. At Asensio Advanced Dentistry in Valencia, our specialists hold both medical and dental qualifications — find out more about dental standards in Spain and how they compare to the UK.

What does a stomatologist do?

A stomatologist covers the full spectrum of oral medicine and dentistry — the same scope as a dentist with a medical degree background. Clinical areas include:

Area What it covers
Teeth and restorations Fillings, crowns, bridges, root canal treatment and tooth extraction
Periodontium Gum disease diagnosis and treatment — gingivitis, periodontitis, curettage
Oral surgery Wisdom tooth extraction, implant placement, periapical surgery
Temporomandibular joint TMJ dysfunction, bruxism, orofacial pain
Oral medicine Diagnosis of oral lesions, ulcers, infections and systemic diseases with oral manifestations
Prosthodontics Dentures, implant prosthetics, full mouth rehabilitation

Stomatologist vs dentist — what is the difference?

Factor Stomatologist Dentist
Qualification Medicine and Surgery degree + stomatology specialisation Dentistry degree (5 years university)
Clinical scope Equivalent — all oral conditions Equivalent — all oral conditions
Can practice general medicine Yes — holds full medical degree No
Regulatory body (Spain) Consejo General de Colegios de Odontólogos Consejo General de Colegios de Odontólogos
GDC registration eligible Yes — recognised by the UK General Dental Council Yes — recognised by the UK General Dental Council

Stomatology in Spain — what it means for UK patients

In Spain, the term stomatologist is used alongside dentist to describe qualified oral health professionals — both are regulated by the same national body, the Consejo General de Colegios Oficiales de Odontólogos y Estomatólogos de España, and both qualifications are recognised by the UK General Dental Council. For UK patients considering dental treatment abroad, this means the clinical standards, regulatory oversight and material specifications are equivalent to those in the UK.

Spain follows EU healthcare regulations covering sterilisation, infection control, patient rights and medical device standards — the same framework that applies across all EU member states. The implant brands, ceramic materials and diagnostic equipment used in accredited Spanish clinics are CE-certified and identical to those available in UK private dental centres. Find out more about how dentistry in Spain compares to the UK and why thousands of UK patients choose Valencia for their dental treatment every year.

Frequently asked questions

Is a stomatologist the same as a dentist?

In terms of clinical scope, yes — both diagnose, treat and prevent all oral conditions. The difference is in the academic route: stomatologists qualify through a Medicine and Surgery degree, while dentists qualify through a dedicated Dentistry programme. In Spain, both titles are regulated by the same professional body and carry equivalent clinical authority.

Can a stomatologist do implants?

Yes. Implantology falls within the clinical scope of both stomatologists and dentists. At Asensio Advanced Dentistry in Valencia, Dr. Lucía Asensio Romero is a specialist in implantology and oral surgery with over 5,000 implants placed — find out more about dental implants abroad at Asensio.

Is stomatology recognised in the UK?

Yes. A stomatologist qualified in Spain can apply to register with the UK General Dental Council (GDC) without sitting any further examination — the same as a Spanish-qualified dentist. EU mutual recognition arrangements cover both qualifications.

What is the difference between stomatology and dentistry as academic fields?

Stomatology is studied as a medical specialisation following a full Medicine and Surgery degree. Dentistry is studied as a standalone five-year university programme dedicated entirely to oral health. Both lead to equivalent clinical competencies and are regulated by the same professional bodies in Spain.

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How to brush teeth correctly — dental hygiene guide from Asensio Valencia Spain

How to Brush Your Teeth Correctly — A Guide from Asensio

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Correct tooth brushing technique removes the bacterial plaque that causes cavities, gum disease and bad breath — and over 70% of people brush mechanically without applying the right method. Dr. Lucía Asensio Romero and the hygiene team at Asensio Advanced Dentistry in Valencia advise all patients on proper brushing technique as part of every routine appointment.

Good oral hygiene is the foundation of long-term dental health — and it is particularly important for patients who have dental implants, periodontal disease or restorations such as crowns and veneers. Brushing correctly extends the life of all dental work.

If you have questions about your oral hygiene routine, our team is happy to advise at your free consultation — call us on 0800 048 8058 or email office@dentalasensio.co.uk.

Correct brushing technique — step by step

Surface Technique
Outer surfaces (front of teeth) Hold brush at 45 degrees to the gum. Use gentle vertical strokes from gum to tip — upper and lower teeth separately
Inner surfaces (back of teeth) Sweep from gum line outward. Pay particular attention to the back molars where plaque accumulates
Chewing surfaces Circular movements on the biting surfaces of molars and premolars
Tongue Brush gently — bacteria accumulate on the tongue surface and contribute to bad breath

Toothbrush and toothpaste recommendations

Factor Recommendation
Bristle type Soft nylon bristles — hard bristles damage enamel and cause gum recession over time
Brush replacement Every 3 months — or earlier if bristles are splayed
Brushing duration 2 minutes minimum — most people brush for less than 45 seconds
Frequency Twice daily minimum — after breakfast and before bed
Dental floss Daily — brushing alone does not clean the interdental spaces where cavities and gum disease begin
Toothpaste Fluoride toothpaste — ask your dentist about sensitivity or whitening formulas if appropriate for your case

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Nitrous Oxide Sedation at the Dentist — What to Expect

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Nitrous oxide sedation — commonly known as laughing gas — induces a state of deep relaxation during dental treatment, reducing anxiety, pain perception and emotional stress without putting the patient to sleep. Dr. Lucía Asensio Romero and the team at Asensio Advanced Dentistry in Valencia have used nitrous oxide alongside IV conscious sedation for many years, allowing anxious patients to receive comprehensive dental treatment comfortably.

Nitrous oxide is the most widely used sedation method in dentistry across the USA, France, Australia and Scandinavia — countries with the most developed dental anaesthesiology practices. It has an excellent safety record and is suitable for the vast majority of patients, including those with dental phobia who have avoided treatment for years.

The first consultation is completely free. Call us on 0800 048 8058 or email office@dentalasensio.co.uk to book.

Nitrous oxide vs IV sedation — comparison

Factor Nitrous oxide IV conscious sedation
Administration Inhaled through a nasal mask Intravenous — administered by anaesthesiologist
Level of sedation Mild to moderate — patient remains conscious and responsive Deep — patient is in a twilight state, often with no memory of the procedure
Recovery time 5–10 minutes — patient can drive after Several hours — patient must be accompanied home
Best for Mild to moderate anxiety, routine or moderate treatments Severe phobia, complex or lengthy procedures
Available at Asensio Yes Yes — with anaesthesiologist present

Frequently asked questions

Does nitrous oxide work for severe dental phobia?

For severe phobia, IV conscious sedation is usually more appropriate — it provides a deeper level of relaxation and most patients have little or no memory of the procedure afterwards. See our full guide to conscious sedation abroad at Asensio.

Is nitrous oxide safe?

Yes — nitrous oxide has been used safely in dentistry for over 150 years. At Asensio we use the Master Flux Plus Italian system, which precisely controls the ratio of nitrous oxide to oxygen throughout the procedure. The effects wear off within minutes of removing the mask.

Can I drive after nitrous oxide sedation?

Yes — nitrous oxide clears from the system rapidly. After a short recovery period of 5–10 minutes breathing pure oxygen, most patients can drive. This is one of the key advantages over IV sedation, which requires a companion to accompany you home.

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