General Dentists

General dentistry is the only non-specialty field of dentistry. General dentists typically do not focus their clinical practice on any particular discipline within dentistry, and instead provide basic care within a variety of disciplines. However, they can (and often do) further their training in one or more specialty areas, such as surgery, endodontics, etc.

General dentists, unlike specialists, have the luxury of choosing which services they will provide and which they will refer to specialists. It is important to note that most general practitioners perform restorative, prosthetic, routine endodontic therapy, routine periodontal therapy, and simple exodontia, as well as performing examinations. Others are comfortable treating more complex cases, as well as placing implants and extracting third molars - among many other procedures frequently referred to specialists.

Cosmetic Dentists

Cosmetic Dentistry has its primary focus as the improvement of the appearance of the patient's teeth and surrounding structures, along with the prevention and treatment of oral diseases.

The recent availability of porcelain and composite materials that closely resemble natural tooth structure allows the cosmetic dentist to recreate or dramatically improve the appearance of the patient's teeth.

There are many options available to the cosmetic dentist, including Whitening (or tooth bleaching), Enamel Shaping, Bonding and Veneers.

Endodontists

Endodontics is a specialty of dentistry that deals with the tooth pulp and tissues surrounding the root of a tooth. The pulp can become diseased or injured and thus is unable to repair itself. The pulp then dies and endodontic treatment is required.

Endodontists are dentists who have specialized in this field. Typically they have completed an additional 2-3 years of training following dental school. They specialize and limit their practice to root canal therapy and root canal surgery, and use their special training and experience in treating difficult cases. Endodontists may use advanced technology, such as operating microscopes, ultrasonics and digital imaging, to perform these special services, and often have great experience in successfully treating patient who present in pain. Patients requiring root canal therapy are either referred by their general dentists to the endodontist or are self referred. Root canal therapy is also a standard procedure for general dentists.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a specialist surgeon treating the anatomical area of the mouth, jaws, face, skull, as well as associated structures.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are usually initially qualified in dentistry and have undergone further surgical training. All oral and maxillofacial surgeons must obtain a degree in dentistry (BDS, BDent, DDS, or DMD or equivalent) before being allowed to begin residency training in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

They also may choose to undergo further training to expand the scope of practice to areas such as: head and neck cancer - microvascular reconstruction, cosmetic facial surgery, craniofacial surgery/pediatric maxillofacial surgery or cranio-maxillofacial trauma.

Orthodontists

Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that is concerned with the study and treatment of malocclusions (improper bites), which may be a result of tooth irregularity, disproportionate jaw relationships, or both.

Orthodontic treatment can be carried out for purely aesthetic reasons—improving the general appearance of patients' teeth and face for cosmetic reasons—but treatment is often prescribed for practical reasons, providing the patient with a functionally improved bite (occlusion).

If the main goal of the treatment is dental displacement, most commonly a fixed multibracket therapy is used. In this case orthodontic wires are inserted into dental braces, which can be made from stainless steel or a more esthetic ceramic material.

Pediatric Dentists

Pediatric dentistry is the specialty of dentistry that focuses on the oral health and unique needs of young people. After completing a four-year dental school curriculum, two to three additional years of rigorous training is required to become a pediatric dentist. This specialized program of study and hands-on experience prepares pediatric dentists to meet the unique needs of infants, children and adolescents, including persons with special health care needs.

Establishing treatment with a pediatric dentist provides the opportunity to implement preventive dental health habits that keep a child free from dental/oral disease. The focus is on prevention, early detection and treatment of dental diseases.

Periodontists

Periodontology, or periodontics, is branch of dentistry which studies supporting structures of teeth and diseases and conditions that affect them. The supporting tissues are known as the periodontium, which includes the gingiva (gums), alveolar bone, cementum, and the periodontal ligament.

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in treating diseases and conditions of the periodontium. Periodontists have additional training in the specialty after obtaining their dental license. Periodontists specialize in the management of patients with periodontitis, gum recession and surgical placement of implants. Periodontal diseases take on many different forms, but is usually a result of bacterial infection of the gums. Untreated, it often leads to tooth loss and alveolar bone loss.

Prosthodontists

A prosthodontist is a dentist who specializes in prosthodontics, the specialty of implant, esthetic and reconstructive dentistry. Prosthodontists specialize in the restoration of oral function by creating prostheses and restorations (i.e. complete dentures, crowns, implant retained/supported restorations). Cosmetic dentistry, implants and joint problems all fall under the field of prosthodontics.

Becoming a prosthodontist requires an additional 3 years of specialty training after obtaining a dental degree (D.D.S. or D.M.D.) in an ADA approved program. Due to this extensive training, prosthodontists are frequently called upon to treat complex cosmetic cases, full mouth reconstructions, TMJ related disorders, congenital disorders, and sleep apnea by planning and fabricating various prostheses and orthotic appliances.