Everyone has to visit a dentist at some point in time. But do you know that dentistry has nine different specialties? Each specialty deals with a wide array of dental problems.

1. Know your Dentists!
Everyone has had to visit the dentist at some point in time. But do you know that dentistry has
nine different specialties? Each specialty deals with a wide array of dental problems.
Oral Medicine, Diagnosis and Radiology: This branch deals with diseases of oral and
surrounding structures, oral manifestation of systemic diseases and oral and dental treatment of
medically compromised patients. Emphasis is laid patient’s history, clinical examination,
diagnosis, investigations, radiographic examination and medical management of lesions related
to oral cavity. This specialty also deals with various basic and advanced imaging techniques
such as Intra-oral periapical radiographs, OPGs, CBCT, Cephalograms etc
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is that branch of dentistry that
deals with diagnosis, surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries and defects of human
jaws, oral cavity and associated structures. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons deal with a variety of
cases such as complex extractions, impactions, space infections, management of facial trauma,
surgical corrections of clefts, correction of pathologies such as cysts and tumors and
reconstructive surgeries.

2. Prosthodontics:
It is a branch of dentistry that deals with the replacement and restoration of lost or damaged teeth
and the associated soft tissues by fixed or removable prosthesis.. Prosthodontists also deal with
full mouth rehabilitation and smile designing and are popularly called ‘Architects of the smile’.
This specialty deals with the fabrication and placement of complete dentures, removable partial
dentures, implants, crowns, bridges, veneers, etc.
Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics:
This branch has two aspects. Conservative dentistry deals with the treatment of caries (cavities),
malformed, discoloured, nonesthetic, or minimally fractured teeth and endodontics deals with
treatment of pulpal (tooth nerve) and periapical diseases and dental pain management. This
specialty pertains to saving infected teeth and maintaining their strength and integrity inside the
mouth. Endodontists are specialized in performing complex restorations (fillings), root canal
treatments, bleaching (tooth whitening), managing trauma to teeth, various aesthetic procedures,
tooth surgeries, etc.

3. Orthodontics:
It is a specialty that deals with the diagnosis, prevention and correction of malpositioned or mal-
aligned teeth and jaws. It is concerned with facial growth and the development of the teeth and
how they should correctly occlude for proper function. It deals with diagnosing, intercepting and
correcting malocclusion. Orthodontists use conventional braces or advances such as ceramic
braces, invisalign or lingual braces as well as certain appliances to make crooked teeth and jaws
straight for a perfect smile.
Periodontics:
It is the specialty that studies supporting structures of teeth, that is the gums and bone as well as
diseases and conditions that affect them. They look into various diseases of the mouth such as
gum inflammation and bleeding, recession and bone defects of the tooth socket. Periodontists
deal with treatments such as scaling, root planning, placement of implants, gum surgeries,
treatment of bony defects, LASER treatments, etc.
Pedodontics:
Pedodontics or pediatric dentistry is a dental specialty that focuses on treatment of infants, children,
and young adults. Their aim is to manage anxious children through behavior management and instill
a positive dental attitude in them. Pedodontists deal with most of the dental issues in children
including extractions, root canals, maintaining space in the mouth for the permanent teeth, tooth

4. surgeries, minor orthodontic correction, management of early childhood caries and full mouth
rehabilitation. They are also adept at treating children under conscious sedation.
Public Health Dentistry:
It deals with the prevention of oral disease and promotion of oral health. This specialization deals
with studying the cause and distribution of a disease in the population and how to control it.
Outreach programmes, community camps are school camps are frequently held to screen for
dental problems and intercept them early. Health talks are organized and the harmful effects of
tobacco are emphasized on and tobacco cessation is prioritized.
Oral 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 (the
mouth and jaw areas). It is a science that investigates the causes, processes, and effects of these
diseases. The practice of oral pathology includes research and diagnosis of diseases using
clinical, radiographic, microscopic, biochemical, or other examinations. It is the backbone that
allows for better diagnosis and treatment of dental diseases by the other speacialties.