5/6/25, 1:11 PM Dental Specialties - Dental Specialists, Dental Subspecialties, Ancillaries

12 Types of Dental Specialties

The dentistry field has several types of dental specialties including endodontics, orthodontics,
periodontics, prosthodontics, pediatric dentistry, and more. Dental specialists are oral healthcare
providers who receive specialized training after dental school, much like a neurologist or
cardiologist.

Dental specialties are recognized by the National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties
and Certifying Boards (NCRDSCB) to protect the public, nurture the art and science of dentistry, and
improve the quality of care. Currently, there are twelve dental specialties recognized by NCRDSCB.

Dental Specialties
The 12 dental specialties recognized by NCRDSCB include:

1. Endodontist
Endodontics is the dental specialty
that has the critical responsibility of
diagnosing, treating, and preventing
infections and injuries in the human
dental pulp or the nerve of the tooth.
A root canal is an example of a
procedure performed by an
endodontist.

2. Orthodontist
Orthodontics and dentofacial
orthopedics is the dental specialty
that includes the diagnosis,
prevention, interception, and
correction of malocclusion (bad bites
of the teeth), as well as neuromuscular and skeletal abnormalities of the developing or mature
orofacial structures. An orthodontist provides teeth straightening by moving them through the
bone structure with the use of braces or other corrective appliances.

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3. Periodontist
Periodontics is the specialty of dentistry that encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment
of soft tissue (gum) diseases of the teeth, as well as the supporting structures (bones) of the teeth,
whether they are natural or manmade teeth. A periodontist will treat periodontal disease (gingivitis
– inflammation of the gums) and periodontitis (gum and bone disease).

4. Prosthodontist
Prosthodontics is the dental specialty pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment, and oral function,
associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues using biocompatible
substitutes. A prosthodontist will repair natural teeth and replace missing teeth on a larger scale
than a general dentist. They will utilize dentures or crowns (caps) as permanent replacements for
missing or extracted teeth.

5. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Oral and maxillofacial surgery is the specialty of dentistry which includes surgical treatment of
diseases, injuries, and defects involving both the functional and esthetic aspects of the hard and
soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region. This would include surgery to the face, mouth, jaw,
and may work with patients who have tumors, masses, and cysts within the jaws.

6. Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologist

Oral and maxillofacial radiology is the specialty of dentistry and discipline of radiology concerned
with the interpretation of images and data produced by all modalities of radiant energy that are
used for the diagnosis and management of diseases, and conditions of the oral and maxillofacial
region (face, mouth, and jaws).

7. Dentist Anesthesiologists
Dental anesthesiology is the specialty of dentistry and the discipline of anesthesiology managing
pain, anxiety, and overall patient health during dental, oral, maxillofacial, and adjunctive surgical or
diagnostic procedures throughout the entire perioperative period. There is a particular emphasis on
improving patient safety in dentistry and some pursue research related to all areas of
anesthesiology.

8. Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologist

Oral and maxillofacial pathology is the specialty of dentistry and discipline of pathology that deals
with the nature, identification, and management of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial
regions. It is a science that investigates the causes, processes, and effects of these diseases.

9. Pediatric Dentist or Pedodontist

Pediatric dentistry or pedodontics is an age-defined specialty that provides both primary and
comprehensive preventive and therapeutic oral health care for infants and children through
adolescence, including those with special health care needs. This dentist can identify and address
the onset of decay, crowding, crookedness, falling teeth, and other oral health problems.

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10. Orofacial Pain (OFP)

Orofacial Pain is the specialty of dentistry that encompasses the diagnosis, management, and
treatment of pain disorders of the jaw, mouth, face, head, and neck.

11. Oral Medicine

Oral Medicine is the specialty of dentistry responsible for the oral health care of medically complex
patients and for the diagnosis and management of medical-related diseases, disorders, and
conditions affecting the oral and maxillofacial region.

12. Dental Public Health (DPH)

Dental public health helps to prevent and control dental diseases and promote dental health
through organized community efforts including dental research and dental care.

Dental Subspecialties
General Dentistry
A general dentist is your primary care dental provider. A dentist has many responsibilities including
the diagnosis, treatment, care, and management of your overall oral health. Non-metal fillings,
periodontal (gum) care, root canal surgeries, crowns, bridges, and preventive education are some of
the services a general dentist provides, among several others.

Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry procedures
include straightening, brightening,
reshaping, and even repair teeth.
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on
improving a person’s smile and may
include teeth whitening, dental
veneers, dental bonding, white
fillings, and invisible braces.

Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dentistry restores your
smile and health after tooth damage
and disease. Restorative services will
improve the structure, health, and
appearance of the teeth and mouth for those suffering from ailments.

Geriatric dentistry
Geriatric dentistry is concerned with the oral health of elderly persons, who usually have significant
medical problems and are taking multiple medications. Elderly people often experience symptoms

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of dental decay and gingival (gum) disorders that differ from symptoms experienced by younger
people.

Dental Ancillaries
Dental Hygienist
A dental hygienist is an oral health professional who holds the responsibility of preventing and
treating oral diseases. A hygienist cleans teeth, checks the mouth for signs of oral diseases, and
performs other preventive dental care.

Dental Assistant
A dental assistant assists with the dentist’s efficiency in providing top-quality oral health care. An
assistant gives patient care and support as a dentist completes a check-up or procedure.

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