What is a dental specialist and what do they do? There is a difference between your general practice dentist and other dental specialties. Most patients who see a dental specialist are referred by their general practice dentist.
According to the American Dental Association, there are 10 recognized dental specialties [source].
These specialties include:
- Endodontics
- Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
- Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Periodontics
- Prosthodontics
- Endodontists
- Orthodontists
Most patients will only see a general dentist or family dentist in their lifetime. They care for routine oral health on a regular basis. The majority of dental work is preventative and focused on overall oral health such as teeth cleaning, cavity care prevention, and cosmetic procedures. However, there are situations when your dentist will refer you to a dental specialist.
Here’s a quick overview of the most common types of specialists [source]:
- Endodontics: Specialize in the health and treatment of the pulp (nerve and blood vessel space) and root spaces of teeth.
- Orthodontics: Deals with diagnosis, prevention, interception, and correction of alignment of teeth and jaws.
- Oral Surgery: Treatment of dental diseases and injuries through surgery.
- Pediatric Surgery: Dental care of infants and children through adolescence.
- Periodontics: Deals with the prevention and treatment of diseases of teeth, gum and mouth tissue.