Most people know what a pediatric dentist is and a few may even know what an endodontist does too, but did you know that the American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes a total of nine dental specialties? This post will put you to the test and outline the specific disciplines within the fascinating world of dentistry and the years they were formally recognized by the ADA. For an extra challenge, see if you can name all nine before reading through this post. And for the record our team at Salt Lake Dental Care is fully committed to cosmetic and family dentistry in Salt Lake City, but we know them all!
Endodontics (1983): This area focuses on “the morphology, physiology and pathology of the human dental pulp and periradicular tissues.” So, if you need say a root canal, you might require the services of an endodontist.
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (2003): If you want to straighten your teeth, an orthodontist is in order. Dentofacial orthopedic specialists correct facial deformities using many of the same types of appliances used in teeth straightening therapy.
Pediatric Dentistry (1995): This is an an easy one, short and simple: pediatric dentists provide dental care for infants, children, and teenagers.
Periodontics (1992): Periodontics is the dentistry specialty that encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth or their substitutes. Periodontal specialists perform crown lengthening, pocket reduction, and soft tissue grafts on gums.
Prosthodontics (2003): Prosthodontists provide restorative dental procedures, including dental implants, crowns, bridges, and dentures. They also perform cosmetic dentistry treatments, including porcelain veneers, crowns, dental bonding, invisible fillings, and teeth bleaching.
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology (1991): This specialty concerns “the nature, identification, and management of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions.” 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.”1
Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology(2001): Oral and maxillofacial radiologists analyze radiographic images (x-rays) for issues of the maxillofacial area.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (1990): Oral surgeons perform surgery on the teeth, jaw, face, and gums. These include facial reconstruction, cleft lip and palate correction, bone grafting, dental implants, and impacted teeth.
Dental Public Health (1976): This discipline focuses on “preventing and controlling dental diseases and promoting dental health through organized community efforts.”
General dentists and cosmetic dentists are trained in a wide variety of dental procedures, but sometimes your dentist in Salt Lake City will refer you to a specialist or include a specialist as part of your treatment team. If you have any cosmetic and family dentistry needs in Salt Lake City or the the surrounding areas don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Salt Lake Dental Care for an appointment. We would be honored to provide you with quality dental care.
Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:
801-938-8855
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107
