While the general dentist is the primary care provider for all patients, specialization is also an option. Currently the American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes nine dental specialties.

• General dentists, the primary dental care provider for all patients, are responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, management and overall coordination of services related to patients' oral health needs.
• Orthodontists improve patients' smiles by straightening crooked teeth and misaligned jaws with the use of braces and other appliances.
• Oral and maxillofacial surgeons care for patients who experience problems with the jaws and facial structures. This includes the extraction of teeth, removing tumors and cysts, treating facial injuries and trauma, correcting improper jaw alignment and reconstructive treatment, i.e. dental implants.
• Periodontists care for patients' gums and other tissues that support the teeth.
• Pediatric dentists treat the overall oral health needs of children.
• Oral pathologists examine and diagnose tumors and lesions of the mouth.
• Endodontists treat inner tooth structures and perform root canals.
• Public-health dentists work mostly with government agencies to address the complex issues of treating and educating groups that do not enjoy regular access to a dentist, such as people with special needs, the impoverished and rural Americans.
• Prosthodontists specialize in the restoration and replacement of teeth.
• Oral and maxillofacial radiologists produce and interpret images and data to diagnose and manage diseases, disorders and conditions through traditional X-rays, digital radiography, computerized tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs).

Reviewed: February 2011