From performing complicated dental surgery to fixing misaligned and broken teeth, there are a number of dental specialist roles for you to consider if you are interested in making a career in dentistry.
The American Dental Association has recognized nine specialty fields in dentistry and the specialists are now in high demand due to the increase in patients. Getting DMD and DDS degrees requires four years of schooling, but in order to specialize in a field of dentistry, you will have to undergo additional schooling as well. The nine fields of dentistry are outlined below, You can get a feel of how each career could be by reading dentists online reviews by doing 10 - 15 minutes of research online for each you are interested in.
Field 1: Dental Public Health
This is focused on policies of social oral health and involves the study of causes, patterns, control, and treatment of diseases that occur in the oral cavity in different people.
Field 2: Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
This field revolves around the diagnosis, study, and treatment of a plethora of diseases related to the face, jaw, mouth and other accompanying structures.
Field 3: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
As the name indicates, this field is concerned with the surgeries related to the jaw, mouth, and face, which include reconstructive surgery, dental implants, palate and cleft lip procedures and numerous other oral surgeries. You can learn more about the best dental clinics by reviewing them.
Field 4: Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
This kind of dentistry involves looking beneath the surface when it comes to diseases related to the face, jaw and mouth. Dentists have to do radiologic interpretation by using imaging devices for studying the diseases.
Field 5: Orthodontics
This is the field of dentistry that specializes in teeth straightening and fixing misaligned bite or malocclusion with the use of retainers and dental braces. In the last 20 years, this particular field of dentistry has gained a lot of popularity.
Field 6: Endodontics
Issues that involve the dental nerves and pulp of the teeth fall under Endodontics. The most commonly performed procedure is root canal therapy.
Field 7: Periodontics
This field is about strengthening tissues that surround and support teeth like gums. They diagnose, prevent and treat conditions that affect these areas.
Field 8: Pedodontics
Known as pediatric dentistry, this field is focused on the treatment of developing mouths i.e. children.
Field 9: Prosthodontics
Dentists specializing in this field of dentistry create prostheses and do restorations such as dental crowns, complete dentures, dental bridges and dental implants. They can also come in handy for treating any facial anatomy abnormalities.
You can pick your preferred field of dentistry and specialize in it. If you have questions check out these dental blogs and forums.