Know your Dental Specialists
Dentist or General Dental Practitioner
A dentist is a healthcare professional qualified to practice dentistry after graduating with a degree from a University Dental School. You might have noticed some letters after their names such as BDS which stands for Bachelor of Dental Surgery, LDS, RCS – Licentiate in Dental Surgery from the Royal College of Surgeons, or D.D.S. – Doctor of Dental Surgery. Most dental degree courses take between 4-6 years of study and clinical experience working with patients under supervision. In most countries dentists are called ‘Doctors’ this should not be confused with a General Medical Practitioner who are also given the nursery title of Doctor.
Dentistry has 13 specialties and other supporting professionals that all provide a supporting role in the treatment, diagnosis and prevention of dental diseases, disorders and conditions.
What fields can dentists specialise in?
There are 13 specialist lists. Dentists on these lists have been granted entry because they have met certain minimum standards of training. The routes for entry are determined by European and GDC regulations. Search on the General Dental Council website
The Specialist Lists
Orthodontics
The development, prevention, and correction of irregularities of the teeth, bite and jaw. The typical training pathway usually takes at about ten years. The career pathway starts with a degree in dentistry followed by about two years of vocational training and then a further full time Specialist Orthodontic training at a recognised Specialist Dental School for three years. This combined study and supervised clinical work in a university hospital leads to a specialist orthodontic qualification and a listing on the General Dental Council’s specialist register. The typical qualification in the UK is M.Orth. RCS.
The speciality of orthodontics
Endodontics
The cause, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases and injuries of the tooth root, dental pulp, and surrounding tissue. Endodontics is the branch of dentistry which focuses on the morphology, physiology, and pathology of the dental pulp and its surrounding tissues. Endodontists understand the etiology, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and injuries of the internal part of the teeth.
Periodontics
The diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases and disorders (infections and inflammatory) of the gums and other structures around the teeth. A periodontist is a dental specialist with expertise in diagnosing, preventing and treating gum disease. A Periodontist specialises in the diagnosis and surgical and non-surgical treatment of diseases and conditions of the supporting structures of the teeth (periodontium). Periodontists are experts in the management of patients with periodontal diseases including gingivitis, periodontitis and gum recession.
Prosthodontics
The replacement of missing teeth and the associated soft and hard tissues by prostheses (crowns, bridges, dentures) which may be fixed or removable, or may be supported and retained by implants.
Restorative Dentistry
The restoration of diseased, injured, or abnormal teeth to normal function. Includes all aspects of Endodontics, Periodontics and Prosthodontics.
Paediatric Dentistry
Comprehensive therapeutic oral health care for children from birth through adolescence, including care for those who demonstrate intellectual, medical, physical, psychological and/or emotional problems.
Dental Public Health
A non-clinical specialty involving the science and art of preventing oral diseases, promoting oral health to the population rather than the individual. It involves the assessment of dental health needs and ensuring dental services meet those needs.
Oral Surgery
The treatment and ongoing management of irregularities and pathology of the jaw and mouth that require surgical intervention. This includes the specialty previously called Surgical Dentistry.
Oral Medicine
Oral health care of patients with chronic recurrent and medically related disorders of the mouth and with their diagnosis and non-surgical management.
Oral Microbiology
Diagnosis and assessment of facial infection, typically bacterial and fungal disease. This is a clinical specialty undertaken by laboratory-based personnel who provide reports and advice based on interpretation of microbiological samples.
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Diagnosis and assessment made from tissue changes characteristic of disease of the oral cavity, jaws and salivary glands. This is a clinical specialty undertaken by laboratory-based personnel.
Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology
Involves all aspects of medical imaging which provide information about anatomy, function and diseased states of the teeth and jaws
Special Care Dentistry
The improvement of the oral health of individuals and groups in society who have a physical, sensory, intellectual, mental, medical, emotional or social impairment or disability or, more often, a combination of these factors. It pertains to adolescents and adults.
Dental Public Health
A non-clinical specialty involving the science and art of preventing oral diseases, promoting oral health to the population rather than the individual. It involves the assessment of dental health needs and ensuring dental services meet those needs.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a specialist who treats the entire skeletal frame work of the head and neck including the anatomical area of the mouth, jaws, face, skull and other associated structures. They are essentially plastic surgeons specialising on the head and neck. Maxillofacial surgeons are usually initially qualified in dentistry and have undergone further surgical training. Most maxillofacial surgeons have qualifications in dentistry and medicine. They are now listed as a speciality within medicine.
Supporting dental team
Dental Nurse
The role of the dental nurse is to assist in the efficient operation of the dental practice. There are many tasks for which the dental nurse is responsible, from preparing and clearing up the surgery, ensuring that hygiene standards are maintained at all times, to taking notes, passing instruments and materials to the clinician and caring for the patient. Dental nurses must be qualified or be in training to register with the General Dental Council. Additional qualifications are available and for dental nurses working in orthodontics the most likely is the Orthodontic Nursing Certificate.