Page 8 - 1.1 TextbookE

DENTAL SPECIALTIES
Administrators of a general practice will be responsible for managing incoming and outgoing
referrals to dental specialists and for this reason, it is important for them to understand what is
involved with each specialty.
There are nine nationally recognized dental specialties in Canada, including:
1. Dental Public Health 6. Orthodontics and Dentofacial
2. Endodontics Orthopedics
3. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 7. Pediatric Dentistry
4. Oral Medicine and Pathology 8. Periodontics
5. Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology 9. Prosthodontics

The dental specialties that an administrator will come across most often in a general practice are
listed and described below. (Note the professional title in italics within each description.)
Common Dental Specialties
Endodontics: An Endodontist performs treatment involving the pulp and periapical tissues of a
tooth. Common procedures include Root Canal Therapy.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: An Oral Surgeon performs surgical and related treatment
involving the mouth, jaw, head and neck. Common procedures include Extractions and Implants.

Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics: An Orthodontist deals with the correction of
malocclusion (alignment of teeth), as well as treats other abnormalities associated with
dentofacial structures. Common procedures include Braces.

Pediatric Dentistry: A Pedodontist provides dental treatment specifically to infants and
children, as well as patients with special care needs. The average age range for a patient at a
pediatric clinic is newborn up to 15 years old. Once the patient reaches a certain age, they are
normally transferred to a general dentist.

Periodontics: A Periodontist treats the tissues and bone, which support and surround the teeth.
Common procedures include Bone and Tissue Grafting as well as Periodontal Therapy.

Prosthodontics: A Prosthodontist is involved with the restoration of natural teeth and/or the
replacement of missing teeth. Common procedures include Dentures.

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