Dentists can (and often do) further their training in one or more speciality areas (such as surgery, endodontics, orthodontics, etc.)
Hence, there can be a great deal of variation between the level of skill in different disciplines from dentist to dentist, however
all dentists must achieve a certain degree of skill in various disciplines in order to graduate from dental school and earn licensure.
General practitioners, 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.
Contrary to popular belief, most dentists do not regularly clean teeth, and instead delegate this task to their support staff
(e.g. dental hygienists).
Specialized Dentistry
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),
Pediatric Dentistry (i.e. dentistry for children, formerly known as "pedodontics"),
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.)
Specialists in these fields are designated registrable (U.S. "Board Eligible") and warrant exclusive titles such as
orthodontist, oral and maxillofacial surgeon, endodontist, pediatric dentist, periodontist, or prosthodontist upon satisfying
certain local (U.S. "Board Certified"), (Australia/NZ: "FRACDS"), or (Canada: "FRCD(C)") registry requirements.
Two other post-graduate formal advanced education programs: General Practice Residency (advanced clinical and didactic training
with intense hospital experience) and Advanced Education in General Dentistry (advanced training in clinical dentistry) recognized
by the ADA do not lead to specialization.
Other dental education exists where no post-graduate formal university training is required: cosmetic dentistry, dental implant,
temporo-mandibular joint therapy. These usually require the attendance of one or more continuing education courses that typically
last for one to several days. There are restrictions on allowing these dentists to call themselves specialists in these fields.
The specialist titles are registrable titles and controlled by the local dental licensing bodies.
Forensic odontology consists of the gathering and use of dental evidence in law. This may be performed by any dentist with experience
or training in this field. The function of the forensic dentist is primarily documentation and verification of identity.
Geriatric dentistry or geriodontics is the delivery of dental care to older adults involving the diagnosis, prevention, and
treatment of problems associated with normal ageing and age-related diseases as part of an interdisciplinary team with other
health care professionals.
