The practice of dentistry is the assessment, diagnosis, communication, prevention and treatment of the physical, psychological and social health with respect to conditions primarily of the head and neck, in healthy or medically compromised patients, for preventive, therapeutic or aesthetic purposes.
While your dentist can help with most of your oral health needs, your dentist may recommend seeing a dental specialist for complex, specialized treatment.

Dental Specialists

Dental specialists are dentists who have eight or more years of university education in dentistry and a dental specialty. While general dentists can perform the procedures specialists do, there are complex treatment needs which are best done under the care of dental specialists.

Endodontists

Dental specialists who diagnose and treat the nerves and blood supply of the teeth when they have been injured or diseased. They most often perform root canal treatment, which is the removal of the diseased tissue inside of the tooth and filling the canal to prolong the use (or function) of the tooth

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Dental specialists who diagnose and treat problems related to the jaw and facial structures. This includes extracting teeth, diagnosis and treating cysts and tumors, treating jaw abnormalities and treating traumatic facial injuries.

Orthodontists

Dental specialists who diagnose and treat a poor bite and improperly positioned teeth to improve the functioning of the teeth and their overall cosmetic appearance. Most often young people seek treatment from orthodontists, but adults are also being successfully treated.

Pediatric Dentists

Dental specialists who diagnose and treat dental problems in children. Some children have unique medical or physical problems requiring special management, technical skills or special procedures.

Periodontists

Dental specialists who diagnose and treat diseases of the gums and supporting structures and tissues. Periodontal treatment rescues and maintains teeth that would otherwise have to be extracted.

Prosthodontists

Dental specialists who diagnose and repair badly broken-down teeth, as well as missing teeth and structures with crowns, bridges, dentures and implants. Dental cosmetics is part of their expertise, as is the correct functioning of a person's bite.

Oral Pathologists

Dental specialists who examine and diagnose diseases of the oral tissues. These dentists normally work in laboratory settings and examine tissues sent to them by other dentists.

Oral Radiologists

Dental specialists who provide detailed diagnoses from examining sets of x-rays.

Public Health Dentists

Dental specialists who provide dental services to large population groups through programs that are generally funded by government agencies.