Patient Forms 
Most people have a general dentist who they see for their regular oral health care. This includes examinations, teeth cleanings, general dental X-rays, fillings, and some other procedures. However, there are certain situations that your dentist will refer you to a specialist dentist for more extensive treatment. Here are some guidelines about the specialty areas of dentistry.
Dentistry is covered by a professional association called the American Dental Association (ADA), which was established to promote oral health care and to represent the field of dentistry. Many dentists in the United States desire to become members of the ADA because of its reputation for advancements in dentistry and commitment to the public’s oral health. The ADA recognizes nine dental specialties:
- Endodontics
- Orthodontics
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Periodontics
- Oral Pathology
- Prosthodontics
- Oral Radiology and Imaging
- Public Health Dentistry
To become an accredited specialist dentist, the specialty must be recognized by the ADA and the dentist has to complete advanced training beyond dental school. This additional education and experience in their specialty area allows the specialist dentist to perform more complex and extensive work that falls into their area of expertise. That is why general dentists refer patients to specialists, so that they receive the highest level of quality care for their particular problem.
It is important to be aware of dentists who claim to be specialists, but haven’t completed the required training. When choosing a specialist dentist, research their accreditations to ensure that they are in good standing and qualified to provide you with specialized care. The whole point in going to a specialist is to obtain the best care using the most advanced technologies available, so don’t hesitate to look until you find a specialty dentist you have confidence in and are comfortable with for your treatment.
