Endodontist
Dentists who practice this specialty are called endodontists. They are specialists in the treatment of dental pulp, the interior tissue and nerves of a tooth. Endodontists perform root canals, the removal of nerve tissue within teeth and other procedures related to the treatment of the dental pulp.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Dentists who practice this specialty are usually referred to as oral surgeons. They are specialists in the surgical treatment of the oral cavity and the bones within the face. Typical procedures they may perform include:
  • Simple extractions
  • Complex extractions involving removal of soft tissue or overlying bone or remaining roots
  • Impacted teeth (especially wisdom teeth) involving removal of soft tissue and/or overlying bone
  • Soft tissue biopsies
  • Removal of tumors in the oral cavity
  • Implant placement
  • Complex jaw realignment surgeries (orthognathic surgery) involving facial or bite discrepancies
  • Jaw or facial fracture stabilization (repair of fractured cheek or jaw bones)
  • Repair of soft tissue problems (cleft palate or lip)

Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Dentists who practice this specialty are called oral pathologists. These specialists diagnose biopsies and investigate the causes and treatments of disease of the oral cavity and internal structures of the face.

Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
Dentists who practice this specialty are called oral radiologists. They are specialists in the production and interpretation of X-rays of teeth, the oral cavity and the bony structures of the head.

Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
Dentists who practice this specialty are called orthodontists. They are specialists in the movement of teeth or the adjustment of relationships between and among teeth and facial bones. They accomplish this through the use of bands, wires and other devices to align the teeth to assure proper bite and to improve the smile of patients.

Pediatric Dentistry
Dentists who practice this specialty are either called pediatric dentists or pedodontists. They are specialists in providing dental care and treatment to infants and children through adolescence.

Periodontist
Dentists who practice this specialty are called periodontists. They are specialists who diagnose and treat diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth. Periodontists may perform procedures such as:
  • Simple and deep pocket cleanings
  • Root planing
  • Crown lengthening procedures
  • Soft tissue and/or bone grafting
  • Gingival or flap procedures
  • Soft tissue recontouring or removal (gingivoplasty or gingivectomy)
  • Hard tissue recontouring (osteoplasty)
  • Implant placement

Prosthodontist
Dentists who practice this specialty are called prosthodontists. They are specialists in the treatment of missing teeth or the restoration of natural teeth. Prosthodontists may perform the following procedures:
  • Crowns
  • Bridges
  • Partial or full dentures
  • Implants
  • Veneers
  • TMJ [temporomandibular joint] treatments

Dental Public Health
Dentists who practice this specialty are called public health dentists. They are specialists in the prevention and control of dental diseases, the promotion of overall dental health through organized community efforts and the education of the general public about dental health.