They're Not All Simply Dentists
Thursday, September 28, 2006
In addition to general dentistry, there are nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association and require 2-6 years of residency training after dental school. The specialties are:
- Dental Public Health (study of dental epidemiology and social health policies),
- Endodontics (root canal therapy),
- Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology (study, diagnosis, and often the treatment of oral and maxillofacial related diseases),
- Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (study and radiologic interpretation of oral and maxillofacial diseases),
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (extractions and facial surgery),
- Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics (straightening of teeth),
- Pedodontics (pediatric dentistry; i.e. dentistry for children),
- Periodontics (treatment of gum disease),
- Prosthodontics (replacement of missing facial anatomy by prostheses such as dentures, bridges and implants).
Specialists in these fields are designated registrable (U.S. "Board Eligible") and warrant exclusive titles such as orthodontist, oral surgeon, pedodontist, periodontist, or prosthodontist upon satisfying certain local (U.S. "Board Certified") registry requirements. Each and every one of these specialists is covered under Ameriplan’s discount dental coverage. Visit the www.dentalplancoverage.com for more details on discount dental coverage from Ameriplan.