Different Type of Dentists

Dentists provide a wide scope of care beyond the familiar prevention and the occasional filling of a cavity. After obtaining an undergraduate degree, prospective dentists must complete four more years of schooling at an accredited dental program. A University of California, Berkeley, study has linked poor oral health to systemic health problems such as cardiovascular disease. These findings have shifted the focus toward dentists and their role in health care. The American Dental Association recognizes nine dental specialties in addition to the general dentist: orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery (oral surgeon), pediatric dentistry, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, oral and maxillofacial athology, oral and maxillofacial radiology and public health dentistry.

General Dentistry

• Often referred to as family dentists, general dentists provide the first line of defense against dental problems and are considered to provide preventive care. According to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry, they are trained to treat simple dental abnormalities and diagnose more complicated ones that require treatment by a dental specialist.

Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

• The largest dental specialty, orthodontists and dentofacial orthopedists straighten teeth and align jaws for both functional and aesthetic purposes. Dentofacial orthopedists treat abnormalities associated with facial development. This specialty requires two to three years of specialized training beyond dental school.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

• Oral surgeons perform a variety of surgeries to prevent, treat and relieve maxillary problems. They may remove wisdom teeth, re-align the temporomandibular joint to alleviate pain or repair a broken jaw. Oral surgeons may also treat patients with oral cancer, tumor and cysts or perform cosmetic surgery. They receive advanced training in anesthesia, which allows for safe administration in an office setting. Oral Surgeons must attend four years of additional post-doctorate training in a hospital-based surgical residency program with other medical residents in general surgery, anesthesia and other specialties.

Pediatric Dentistry (Pedodontists)

• Pediatric dentists are specially trained in child psychology, growth and development to treat the oral health of young people. They provide habit counseling in order to eliminate thumb sucking or pacifier use, manage dental issues related to growth and development and have been prepared to treat children who have special needs such as attention deficit disorder. Pediatric dentists must complete two to three years of training after completing a four-year dental school curriculum, states the Consumer Guide to Dentistry.

Endodontics

• Endodontists treat the inside of the tooth where the pulp, soft tissue and root canal lie. These areas may become inflamed or infected as a result of deep decay, tooth injury or repeated dental produces. Treatment by an endodontist is required to avoid abscess and eventual loss of the tooth. Endodontists are most commonly known for performing root canals. They require two or more years of training in addition to completing dental school.

Periodontics

• Periodontists specialize in the surgical and non-surgical treatment of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth (gums and ligaments), place tooth implants and may perform oral cosmetic surgery. They manage patients with systemic conditions such as diabetes, respiratory problems and HIV/AIDS that cause the body to produce excess plaque, which leads to periodontitis. Untreated, it can destroy the gums and supporting bone that hold teeth in place resulting in tooth loss. Periodontists must attend three to seven years of post-doctorate training in an American Dental Association (ADA)-accredited periodontology residency program.

Prosthodontics

• Prosthodontists specialize in the management and treatment of conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or tissues using dental bridges, dentures, veneers and other substitutes, and are considered the architects of restorative dental treatment plans. Conditions may result from jaw and facial abnormalities, injury, neglect or be purely cosmetic. Prosthodontists must complete an additional three to four years of post-doctorate schooling in an ADA-approved program.

Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology

• Oral and maxillofacial pathologists perform the microscopic interpretation of biopsies from the oral and maxillofacial area submitted by dentists, dental specialists and physicians. They also conduct research into oral disease etiologies and manifestations and often serve as dental school professors. They may also evaluate patients who may have systemic diseases, mucous membrane diseases and premalignant and malignant conditions. Oral and maxillofacial pathologists must receive three years of post-doctorate training.

Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology

• Oral and maxillofacial radiologists read and interpret diagnostic images produced by maxillofacial X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasound and other diagnostics produced by radiant energy, according to the American Dental Association.

Dental Public Health

• Public health dentists seek to promote the importance of oral health and disease prevention through public education targeted at the general community, health professionals and decision makers. Most dentists involved in dental public health have a masters of public health degree, in addition to their doctorate.