Specialty Definitions
Approved by the Council on Dental Education, American Dental Association
General Dentist: Responsible for evaluation, diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment (non-surgical and surgical) of diseases, disorders and conditions in the oral cavity
Endodontist: Specializes in the nerve of the tooth (i.e., root canal treatment)
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology: Oral 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 (i.e., oral cancer, oral lesions, etc.).
Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology: Oral and maxillofacial radiology is the specialty of dentistry and discipline of radiology concerned with the production and interpretation of images and data produced by all types of radiology that are used for the diagnosis and management of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral and maxillofacial region.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon: Specializes in many aspects of surgery around the head area. They perform biopsies and tumor removal in the head and neck region (i.e., oral cancer treatment, jaw realignment, complex tooth removal)
Orthodontist: Specializes in straightening teeth (i.e., braces)
Pediatric Dentist: Specializes in the treatment of children ages one through early adulthood.
Periodontist: Specializes in gums and supporting structure of the teeth (i.e., gum disease treatment, complex bone surgeries, bone grafting, implants)
Prosthodontist: Specializes in full mouth restorations (crowns, bridges, dentures, implants or mixed cases)
Public Health Dentist: Specializes in prevention and control of dental disease by the promotion of dental health through organized community efforts.
