The modern refined (soft and sticky) sugary diet has not only worsened our oral but systemic health too. The mouth has the second largest and most diverse microbiota after the gut and it became a constant source of inflammation. Tooth decay and gum diseases are one of the most common diseases affecting mankind. Teeth, gums, jaws, salivary glands, and oral-facial structures are interconnected complex members of the same family. Dentistry is not just limited to teeth. As everyone is a dental patient, dentists routinely encounter medical conditions. Many systemic diseases usually manifest in the oral cavity. Furthermore, dental tissues once damaged cannot be regenerated or repaired by themselves. Dentists have to be both doctors as well as engineers. You need special skills and knowledge about dentistry, medicine as well as engineering to manage dento-maxillofacial structure. Oral health is necessary to maintain your overall health and well-being. That’s why, dentistry demands extensive, time-consuming, rigorous training to master its art and science. Dental specialties are developed to improve the art and science of dentistry and the quality of patient care. Many patients are not familiar with dental specialties/specialists. As of this writing, there are twelve dental specialties / dental specialists. It is important for you to know about dental specialties, what they do, and which specialist is BEST for you. Study Programs in Dentistry Dentistry, in the field of study, offers both graduate (bachelor’s) and post-graduate (master’s) degree programs. A bachelor’s degree known as a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), is a four-year study program that provides basic knowledge and practical skills in the field of oral health so that you can apply the same to diagnose and treat the patients of this field in an optimal way, as well as to educate people about preventive measures. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to practice general dentistry. Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) is a post-graduate degree program in dentistry that take three years to complete. Individuals must have completed BDS to be eligible for the MDS program. MDS is a dental specialization course that focuses on the advanced study of a particular area of dentistry, much like a cardiologist or neurologist. MDS course takes three years to complete and includes coursework, clinical training, and research. Upon completion, post-graduates are eligible to practice as a specialist in their field as well as general dentistry. In some countries that recognize dental specialties, the specialist is only allowed to practice the specialty and cannot carry out the practice of general dentistry. A general dentist may refer patients (complex cases), and a specialist’s practice is mainly on a referral basis. In some countries, a specialist can conduct general as well as specialty practice. 12 Dental Specialties include: Oral Medicine and Radiology Oral Medicine and R

1. 12 Dental Specialties: Which
Specialist is BEST for you?
Contents hide
1 Study Programs in Dentistry
2 12 Dental Specialties include:
2.1 Oral Medicine and Radiology
2.1.1 Services:
2.2 Periodontics
2.2.1 Services:
2.3 Orthodontics

2. 2.3.1 Services:
2.4 Pedodontics
2.4.1 Services:
2.5 Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS)
2.5.1 Services:
2.6 Endodontics
2.6.1 Services:
2.7 Prosthodontics
2.7.1 Services:
2.8 Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology

3. 2.8.1 Services:
2.9 Public Health Dentistry
2.9.1 Services:
3 Other specialties
3.1 General Dentistry
3.2 Forensic Dentistry
3.2.1 Services:
3.3 Implant Dentistry
3.3.1 Services:
4 Dental Ancillaries

4. 4.1 Dental Hygienist
4.2 Dental Mechanics
4.3 Dental Assistant
5 References
dental specialties
The modern refined (soft and sticky) sugary diet has not only worsened our oral
but systemic health too. The mouth has the second largest and most diverse
microbiota after the gut and it became a constant source of inflammation. Tooth
decay and gum diseases are one of the most common diseases affecting
mankind. Teeth, gums, jaws, salivary glands, and oral-facial structures are
interconnected complex members of the same family. Dentistry is not just limited
to teeth. As everyone is a dental patient, dentists routinely encounter medical

5. conditions. Many systemic diseases usually manifest in the oral cavity.
Furthermore, dental tissues once damaged cannot be regenerated or repaired by
themselves. Dentists have to be both doctors as well as engineers. You need
special skills and knowledge about dentistry, medicine as well as engineering to
manage dento-maxillofacial structure. Oral health is necessary to maintain your
overall health and well-being. That’s why, dentistry demands extensive,
time-consuming, rigorous training to master its art and science. Dental
specialties are developed to improve the art and science of dentistry and the
quality of patient care. Many patients are not familiar with dental
specialties/specialists. As of this writing, there are twelve dental specialties /
dental specialists. It is important for you to know about dental specialties, what
they do, and which specialist is BEST for you.
Study Programs in Dentistry
Dentistry, in the field of study, offers both graduate (bachelor’s) and
post-graduate (master’s) degree programs. A bachelor’s degree known as a
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), is a
four-year study program that provides basic knowledge and practical skills in the
field of oral health so that you can apply the same to diagnose and treat the
patients of this field in an optimal way, as well as to educate people about
preventive measures. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to practice general
dentistry.
Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) is a post-graduate degree program in dentistry
that take three years to complete. Individuals must have completed BDS to be
eligible for the MDS program. MDS is a dental specialization course that focuses
on the advanced study of a particular area of dentistry, much like a cardiologist or
neurologist. MDS course takes three years to complete and includes coursework,
clinical training, and research. Upon completion, post-graduates are eligible to
practice as a specialist in their field as well as general dentistry.
In some countries that recognize dental specialties, the specialist is only
allowed to practice the specialty and cannot carry out the practice of general
dentistry. A general dentist may refer patients (complex cases), and a specialist’s

6. practice is mainly on a referral basis. In some countries, a specialist can conduct
general as well as specialty practice.
12 Dental Specialties include:
Oral Medicine and Radiology
Oral Medicine and Radiology specialist is also called an oral physician. He/she
does a comprehensive analysis and tries to find out all your dental, orofacial, and
medical problems, and then he/she treats or refers you to your respective dental
or medical specialist for treatment.
Services:
● The oral physician is the best one to diagnose (detect) all your
dental-oral-facial diseases, and make a comprehensive treatment
plan that not just addresses your oral but systemic problems too.
● Diagnosis (detection) and medicinal treatment of teeth, mouth, jaws,
and oro-facial diseases, including oral precancer.
● Detection of oral cancer and precancer. We recommend you first
consult your oral physician if you have any patch or ulcer in your
mouth.
● Dental management of medically compromised patients.
● An oral physician can identify systemic (body) diseases from a
patient’s oral picture.
● Minor surgical procedures such as removal of precancer patches or
other oral lesions, and taking biopsies for confirmatory diagnosis.
● Laser therapy for pre-cancerous patches and other oral lesions.
● Management of jaw-joint (TMJ) related problems.
● Production and interpretation of X-ray images of teeth, mouth, face,
and jaws. The best doctor who can interpret X-ray images of your
teeth and jaws is your oral radiologist.
● Assessment and identification of relevant medico-legal / forensic
cases through clinical and X-ray examinations.

7. The oral physician has professional experience in all aspects of subjects i.e.,
dentistry, medicine, and radiology. He/she can better communicate with medical
specialists to clear the patient for dental surgical procedures to avoid untoward
complications.
Periodontics
Periodontics is the specialty of dentistry that encompasses the prevention,
diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting
structures (bones) of the teeth, whether they are natural or manmade teeth. The
specialist of this branch is called a Periodontist (Gum specialist). Gum disease is
one of the most common diseases of mankind. If it is neglected or left untreated
can lead to tooth loss. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults.
Services:
● Periodontists guide you about how to prevent gum diseases. They
also guide you about the oral hygiene aids (toothbrushes, flosses,
interdental brushes, etc.) required and how to use them.
● Treatment of simple as well as complex cases of gum diseases.
● Scaling and root planning (teeth cleaning) – it means removal of
tarter and plaque from between teeth and gums. It also includes the
removal of external stains e.g., tobacco, and coffee stains present
on your teeth.
● Gum surgeries and regenerative procedures to restore your gum
health and aesthetics.
● Plastic surgeries to treat your receded gums or exposed root (long
tooth).
● Surgical correction of abnormal frenum and vestibules of mouth
because abnormal one pulls your gums down.
● Make a short-looking tooth long by cutting its gums (crown
lengthening).
● Laser surgeries to remove bumps or growths on your gums.
● Dental implant and in its care. Remember, post-operative care of
dental implants is more important than just the placement of
implants.

8. Orthodontics
Orthodontics is the dental specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention,
interception, and treatment of crooked teeth (bad bites), jaws, and faces. An
Orthodontist does teeth straightening by moving them through jaw bones with the
use of braces and other corrective appliances. Crooked (misaligned) dentofacial
structures can affect your chewing, speech, and facial appearance as well as
your oral and general health. It can also influence your psychological health,
particularly in children and teenagers who are always teased. Some people with
crooked teeth feel less attractive or less confident. They never open up. It may
affect their personality and life on a day-to-day basis. Treatment depends on how
severe the misalignment is, how it affects you and how you deal with it.
Services:
● Orthodontists can guide you on how to prevent misalignment of
teeth, jaws, and face.
● Preventive functional therapy in children (during growth).
● Straighten your crooked teeth, jaws, and face.
● Correct your bad bites and occlusion (how teeth come in contact
with each other).
● In some cases, orthognathic (jaw-straightening) surgery may be
required where jaw growth has been completed. In such cases,
orthodontists do orthodontic (teeth straightening) treatment while
oral and maxillofacial surgeons do orthognathic (jaw straightening)
surgery that provides maximum benefits to both patients as well
treating doctors. However, braces can successfully treat patients of
any age.
Pedodontics
Pedodontics is a specialty of dentistry that deals with the prevention, diagnosis,
and treatment of dental problems in children and infants.

9. Services:
● Pedodontists not only deal with your children’s teeth but their overall
health and development.
● They can guide you about dental preventive measures required
even before the birth of your child.
● Habit-breaking therapy to stop bad habits such as thumb sucking,
tongue thrusting, mouth breathing, etc. Such habits if left untreated
can adversely affect the growth and development of your child’s
teeth, jaws and face.
● Pedodontists either work independently or with an orthodontist to
carry out preventive functional therapies in children to prevent
misalignment of teeth, jaws, and face.
● Preventive treatments such as fluoride applications, timely removal
of milk teeth, or space maintainer for the smoother eruption of adult
teeth.
● Dental treatments – fillings, root canals, extraction, cleaning, and
tooth replantation.
● Administer conscious sedation to uncooperative children or children
with dental phobias.
● Dental treatment for children with special abilities.
● Communicate and work with multiple medical and dental specialists
to manage children with complex problems e.g., cleft lip and palate,
a child with the syndrome (multiple malformations) to improve the
child’s overall health and development.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS)
It is a major surgical specialty that deals with the diagnosis and surgical
treatment of diseases, disorders, injuries, and defects of teeth, mouth, jaws, face,
and neck.
Services:

10. ● Administer safe and effective local anesthesia. In some countries,
oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained to administer general
(whole body) anesthesia or deep sedation.
● Simple and complex extractions of teeth.
● Surgical treatment of head and neck infections.
● Surgical placement of simple as well as complex dental implants.
● Surgical treatment of cysts, tumors, and oral cancers.
● Surgical treatment of dentofacial fractures.
● Reconstructive surgery to rebuild dento-orofacial structure damaged
by injury or diseases.
● Orthognathic surgery (jaw straightening surgery) in cases of
misaligned teeth and jaws.
● Plastic surgeries to improve your oral and facial appearance.
Endodontics
Endodontics is a dental specialty focusing exclusively on the prevention,
diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and injuries of teeth in adults. “Endo”
means “inside” and “dontic” refers to “tooth”. It is a department of restoration and
root canal treatments. If a decayed tooth is left untreated could result in tooth
loss. Endodontists’ motto is to save the tooth either by restoration or by root
canal.
Services:
● Administer safe and effective local anesthesia for painless
restorative procedures.
● Treatment of decay/cavity, fractures, wear, and other defects in adult
teeth that includes restorations (fillings), root canal treatments
(RCT), and crowns or veneers (partial crowns).
● Tooth replantation (when the tooth came out after injury) in adult
patients.
● Preventive measures like fluoride applications and pit and fissure
sealants.
● Teeth-bleaching (whitening) in case of inner stains.

11. Prosthodontics
This branch deals with the replacement of lost teeth and jaw structures by
constructing prostheses (implants, crowns, bridges, dentures, and
dento-maxillofacial prostheses) to improve aesthetics and function. The term
“prostho” means “replacement” and “dontic” refers to “tooth”. Dental prostheses
are either fixed or removable. They are supported or fixed on adjacent natural
teeth or dental implants. Prostheses are made up of either acrylic or metals or
porcelain or ceramics or their combination.
Diseases, injuries, infections, cancers, and surgeries usually result in the loss of
teeth and associated facial tissues including eyes and ears. These lost
structures are replaced with prostheses. Hence, the specialist in this branch is
known as an Oral and Maxillofacial Prosthodontist. They not only restore your
function and smile but rebuild your confidence.
Services:
● Dentures – Dentures consist of artificial teeth attached to a pink or
gum-colored plastic base. The denture can be either a full denture
(used to replace all teeth) or a partial denture (used to replace
some teeth). Dentures are an either removable or fixed type.
● Fixed Bridges – Dental bridges fill the gap created by one or more
missing teeth.
● Crown (cap) – A patient needs an artificial crown, when a large
portion (around 2/3rd) of the crown of the natural tooth has been
lost or compromised and, the tooth cannot be restored just by a
filling. The natural crown is a visible part of any tooth above the gum
line. An artificial crown is also necessary after RCT to strengthen
the weakened tooth to prevent its fracture.
● Partial crown (Veneer) – a wafer-thin shell of ceramic that covers
only the front (visible) surface of the tooth.
● Maxillofacial Prostheses – Artificial replacement of lost part of
jaws or face after cancer, injury, infection or surgery, or in case of
any congenital or acquired defects to improve functions and
aesthetics of an individual.

12. ● Prostheses to treat other oro-facial disorders – Prosthodontists
also make bite plates, mouth guards, jaw repositioning devices, and
anti-snore devices. They work with other medical and dental
specialists to treat teeth clenching, bruxism (teeth-grinding), TMJ
(jaw joint) disorders, snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Oral and maxillofacial pathology is the specialty of dentistry and discipline of
pathology which deals with the microscopic study of diseases and conditions
affecting the oral and maxillofacial region.
Services:
● Oral and Maxillofacial pathologists give the final confirmation of the
diagnosis of orofacial diseases, including oral cancer by examining
a piece of diseased tissue under the microscope (Biopsy). The
biopsy is considered as the “Gold Standard” of diagnosis in
Medicine. Diagnosis is very important in deciding the treatment plan.
The correct diagnosis can prevent complications and save lives. In
most diseases, a biopsy (microscopic examination) is the only way
of definitive diagnosis.
● They examine and provide a microscopic diagnosis of the biopsied
tissue sent to them by a dental or a medical specialist.
● A biopsy is a sample or a small piece of tissue taken from the body
or diseased organ in order to examine it under a microscope to find
out the definitive diagnosis.
● Microscopic assessment and identification of medico-legal / forensic
cases through clinical and radiological examinations.
Public Health Dentistry

13. This branch deals with preventing and controlling dental diseases and promoting
dental health through organized community efforts.
Services:
● Dental public health specialist works with local and national
Government to develop oral health policies, programs, and services
for the community. Basically, they help to prevent and control dental
and oral diseases and promote oral health through organized
community efforts.
● They are involved in the assessment of oral health needs and
improving the oral health of the population rather than individuals.
Other specialties
In some countries, the following branches are recognized as separate specialties
of dentistry.
General Dentistry
A general dentist is your primary dental care provider. He/she takes care of most
of your dental needs, which may include dental examinations, X-rays, scaling,
fillings, RCTs, extractions, crowns, veneers, bridges, dentures, and preventive
care. A general dentist can perform most of the same procedures a specialist
performs. However, there may be a time when your general dentist will refer you
to a specialist. The reason could be the complexity of a procedure, the patient’s
health, or because you feel your procedure warrants a specialist. Whatever the
case may be, we recommend consulting with your general dentist first, and then,
if necessary, with your referred dental specialist. So, who are the specialists? A
specialist is a general dentist who has taken additional extensive training in any
one branch of dentistry. However, a specialist is a general dentist first, and then a
specialist. They focus primarily on performing specific procedures pertaining to
that branch. An experienced specialist is the best doctor in his specialty.

14. Forensic Dentistry
It is a specialty of dentistry and the discipline of Forensic Medicine and, in the
interest of justice that deals with the identification and presentation of dental
evidence in a court of law.
Enamel (the outer layer on crowns of teeth) is the hardest structure in our body
and is very much stronger than our bones. Human teeth are the most
indestructible organ and can withstand the test of time and temperature because
of their highly resistant composition. They can survive not only after death but
remain unchanged for thousands of years. A well-known example is the teeth
found in the mandible of a Tabun man aged about 35,000 years old.1 Teeth are
frequently the only DNA source available for identifying mutilated human
remains. The unique composition of teeth provides additional protection to DNA
compared to bones making them the preferred source of DNA in many cases.
Interestingly, the treatment given by the dentist (fillings, crowns, dentures, or
implants) is itself the biggest uniqueness for an individual and the key in the
identification.
Services:
● Identification of found human remains.
● Identification of unknown body from dental records.
● Identification of mass fatalities in disaster.
● Assessment of bite mark injuries.
● Identification of victim as well as criminal.
● Assessment of abuse cases.
● Age determination of a living as well as a deceased individual.
● Sex determination of remains.
● Assessing dental injuries in medico-legal cases.
● They also assist in studying the lifestyle and diet of primitive people
from dental findings at an archaeological site. Forensic studies also
help in understanding evolution.

15. Implant Dentistry
A dental implant is nothing but a fixed prosthesis. A metal screw is placed into
your jawbone where the tooth is missing and an artificial crown (tooth) is placed
on top of it. A dental implant act like the root of a natural tooth. You can have just
one implant or a full set to replace all your teeth. Dental implants have many
benefits over traditional removable dentures as well as natural teeth-supported
fixed bridges. A specialist in dental implants is called a Dental Implantologist.
Services:
● Single tooth replacement.
● Multiple teeth replacement.
● Implant-supported fixed bridges.
● Implant-supported fixed dentures.
● A dental implantologist also provides solutions for patients who have
severe bone loss in their jaws and cant be treated with traditional
prostheses.
Dental Ancillaries
Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists assist dentists or dental specialists by conducting periodic
preventive periodontal (gums) cleaning and advising patients on oral hygiene and
care. A dental hygienist is an oral healthcare professional who specializes in
cleaning, scaling, and polishing teeth under the supervision of a dentist or a
dental specialist.
Dental Mechanics

16. Dental mechanics make dentures, crowns, bridges, braces, and other dental
devices prescribed by a dentist or a dental specialist. The dental mechanics’
program teaches you the skill required to fabricate dental prostheses and
devices.
Dental Assistant
A dental assistant helps dentists or dental specialists in all possible ways, which
enables the dentist to provide efficient, high-quality care to patients. They work
under the supervision of dentists.
A dental assistant typically does the following tasks:
● Sterilizing dental instruments
● Pre-operative preparation
● He/she assists the dentist or a specialist with dental procedures,
such as fillings, extractions, etc.
● Process X-rays and lab tasks such as pouring dental impressions,
making casts, etc.
● Handling administrative tasks such as billing, appointments,
treatment records, etc.
References
1. Whittaker DK. Introduction to forensic odontology. Quintessence Int.
1994; 25: 723–30.