Dental Public Health Specialist |
Diagnose, prevent and control dental diseases and promote oral health in the community through organized efforts and programs. | You live in a community that might require a certified specialist to travel to your town to provide dental services and initiate a dental care program with educational resources about oral health care. |
Endodontist | Diagnose, treat and prevent diseases and injuries of the dental pulp (inside of the tooth) and the tissues surrounding the tooth root. | You have an injured or diseased tooth that might require root canal treatment, often of an increased level of complexity. |
Oral Medicine Specialist | Diagnose and treat diseases of the mouth and
jaw, including oral mucosal diseases, neuromuscular conditions such as TMJ (temporomandibular
joint) pain and orofacial pain disorders (conditions). Provide
dental management for people with complex medical conditions. |
You
have a
disease or disorder of the mouth (oral mucosa); neuromuscular
conditions, such as TMJ pain or a TMJ disorder (TMD);
or
orofacial pain disorders (conditions); or if you have a
complex medical condition and require special dental care. |
Oral Pathologist | Diagnose and treat diseases affecting the oral
mucosa. Perform laboratory procedures on oral and maxillofacial biopsy tissues to
establish a diagnosis. | Oral pathologists perform laboratory procedures on oral and maxillofacial biopsy tissues to
establish a diagnosis. |
Oral Medicine and Pathology Specialist | All the activities described for Oral Medicine
Specialists and Oral Pathologists. | You have any of the conditions described for Oral Medicine
specialists and Oral Pathologists. |
Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologist | Make and interpret diagnostic images (X-rays) of the head and neck area for the diagnosis and management of diseases and disorders. | You are planning surgery for a tooth extraction that might require X-rays, or you have a condition that requires a more sophisticated evaluation.
|
Orthodontist | Diagnose, prevent and correct dental/facial irregularities to correctly align teeth and jaws. This is accomplished with various appliances, including braces. | You have an over-or-under bite and/or misaligned teeth that might require braces. |
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon | Diagnose, manage and treat diseases, injuries, and defects of the face, jaws, mouth and teeth.
| You have wisdom teeth that might require surgery to remove, you have unusual swelling, or you have fractured your jaw or several teeth. |
Pediatric Specialist | Provide dental care and consultation for infants and children through adolescence, including those with medical concerns or special needs. | You have a child who requires comprehensive dental care that might require specific consultation and treatment. |
Periodontist | Diagnose, prevent and treat diseases and conditions affecting the supporting tissues (bone and gums) of the teeth. Place dental implants (and manage associated complications), and perform procedures to improve the function and aesthetics of the mouth’s soft tissue.
| You have gum disease, such as gingivitis, that might require treatment or periodontal plastic surgery to cover exposed tooth roots, correct gum and jawbone indentation or reshape and repair gum tissue. |
Prosthodontist | Diagnose, restore and maintain aesthetics, function and health of teeth and jaws. Concerned with replacement of natural structure, including the repair of damaged teeth, and replacement of missing teeth (and adjoining tissues) with substitutes such as crowns, bridges and dentures. | You have lost teeth and require reconstructive dental treatment. |
