Dental Specialities

In addition to general dentistry, there are 9 recognized dental specialties in the US, Canada, and Australia. To become a specialist requires one to train in a residency or advanced graduate training program.

Once residency is completed, the doctor is granted a certificate of specialty training. Many specialty programs have optional or required advanced degrees such as (MD/MBBS specific to Maxillofacial Surgery), MS, or PhD.

• Dental Public Health (study of dental epidemiology and social health policies),
• Endodontics (root canal therapy and study of diseases of the dental pulp),
• Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology (study, diagnosis, and sometimes the treatment of oral and maxillofacial related diseases),
• Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (study and radiologic interpretation of oral and maxillofacial diseases),
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (extractions, facial surgery and implants),
• Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics (straightening of teeth and modification of midface and mandibular growth),
• Pedodontics (i.e. dentistry for children),
• Periodontics (treatment of the periodontium, however most periodontists place implants),
• Prosthodontics (dentures, bridges and the restoration of implants. Some prosthodontists further their training in "oral and maxillofacial prosthodontics--a discipline concerned with the replacement of missing facial structures--such as ears, eyes, nose, etc.)