Dental Specialties
There are Nine Dental Specialties recognized by the ADA. A dentist who wants to work in these fields must complete additional training beyond the four years needed for a general dentistry degree of DDS or DMD.
Dental Public Health: Dental public health focuses on preventing and controlling dental diseases and promoting dental health through organized community efforts.
Endodontics: “Endo” is the Greek word for “inside” and “ondont” is the Greek word for tooth. Endodontics treats the inside of the tooth or the pulp and surrounding areas. A root canal is a well-known endodontic procedure.
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology: Oral pathologists identify and manage of diseases of the face, mouth and jaw.
Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology: Oral and maxillofacial radiology uses images and data (like x-rays and MRIs) to diagnose diseases, disorders and conditions of the face, mouth and jaw.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Oral and maxillofacial surgery involves the diagnosis and surgical treatment of diseases, injuries and defects of the mouth, face and jaw. These include things such as extractions, facial reconstruction and correcting genetic conditions such as cleft palate.
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics: An orthodontist is a specialist in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontists focus on straightening teeth and correcting the bite, often using braces or retainers to establish normal function and appearance of your teeth and jaw.
Pediatric Dentistry: A pediatric dentist provides dental treatment to infants, children and adolescencts, including those with special health care needs.
Periodontics: Periodontics specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the gums or other tissue that supports the teeth (like gum disease) and the placement and maintenance of dental implants.
Prosthodontics: Prosthodontists are experts in the restoration and replacement of teeth or other oral structures including dental implants, dentures, veneers, and crowns.