1. Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
Specialists in this field are primarily concerned with the prevention and correction of irregularities in the arrangement of the teeth. To prevent these problems, the orthodontist may show the patient how to correct a faulty use of the tongue and lips in swallowing or ask the patient to eliminate certain habits, such as lip or tongue biting or lip or finger sucking, all of which can cause malocclusion. Once an irregularity has developed, it may be corrected through exercises and the use of orthodontic appliances.
2. Oral Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery
Oral surgeons, many of whom are also physicians, perform extractions, correct protruding jaws, remove oral cysts, and correct cleft lips and palates. Extractions and other minor procedures are generally performed in the dentist's office, but the more complicated operations are usually carried out in a hospital.
3. Pediatric Dentistry
Dentists in this specialty are concerned with the oral health of children, from infancy through adolescence. Procedures carried out by pediatric dentists include filling cavities, treating gum infections, preventing malocclusions, and performing endodontic, or pulp, therapy. The specialist may also construct space-maintaining appliances when a child's baby teeth are lost before the permanent teeth are ready to erupt.
4. Periodontics
Specialists who deal with the prevention and treatment of gum diseases are called periodontists. Gum diseases are often the result of improper mouth hygiene, but they may also be caused by nutritional deficiencies, allergies, and endocrine gland disturbances.
5. Other Specialties
Prosthodontics deals with tooth restoration and the replacement of lost teeth, while endodontics is concerned with root canal work. Oral and maxillofacial pathology addresses the diagnosis, study, and treatment of mouth infections and other disorders. Specialists in oral and maxillofacial radiology employ X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and other radiological imaging tools in their work. Public health dentists, employed by governmental and private agencies, are concerned with the dental health and education of the public.
6. Dental Hygienist
The position of dental hygienist was originated by Alfred D. Fones, a Connecticut dentist who, in 1905, trained his assistant to perform prophylactic procedures. Two years later, at the suggestion of Fones, the Connecticut legislature passed a law allowing dentists to employ trained, licensed assistants for prophylactic work. Today, dental hygienists are employed by private dentists, dental clinics, and public health programs conducted by federal, state, and local governments. As with dentists, dental hygienists must pass a state examination in order to receive a license to practice. In addition, they are generally required to be graduates of an accredited dental hygiene school, and sometimes they are required to hold a bachelor's degree.
7. Dental Laboratory Technician
The dental laboratory technician is generally a highly skilled person who constructs artificial dentures, bridges, and other dental appliances. Technicians are employed by private dentists and commercial dental laboratories, and they are prohibited by law from working directly on patients. Some technicians perform all types of laboratory work, but others specialize in one aspect of constructing dentures or other appliances.
Many dental technicians learn their work through three or four years of on-the-job training after graduation from high school. Others may take special courses in high schools or junior colleges, or enroll in a two-year training program at a school accredited by the American Dental Association.
8. Dental Assistant
Dental assistants perform a wide variety of duties in the dentist's office. They prepare patients for treatment, hand instruments and materials to the dentist as he or she works on the patient, and also often perform secretarial duties. Dental assistants are generally high school graduates who have taken special training programs.
