Specializations for Those Interested in Dentistry

Specializations for Those Interested in Dentistry

Perhaps you were the kid that wanted to see the rat skull in your friend’s backyard because you wanted to look at its teeth. Maybe you are the type of person now that analyzes dental problems when someone you meet first smiles. Some people are just meant to be dentists!

There are many different areas of specialization to explore beyond general dentistry. No matter what your specific fascinations, there’s a particular path of education that can be tailored to fit. The American Dental Association recognizes twelve unique specialties, each of which requires an advanced expertise:

Dental Anesthesiology
Professionals in this field manage patients’ pain, anxiety, and overall health through dental diagnoses and procedures.

Dental Public Health
Dentists in this field work to prevent dental diseases within a community and control any diseases that arise, as well as promote public awareness of the need for oral health care.

Endodontics
This specialty focuses on the condition of the human dental pulp (the inside part of the tooth) and tissues. Dentists study the biology of the pulp and how to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases there.

Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
These dentists research and treat conditions, diseases, defects and injuries causing and/or contributing to functional and aesthetic problems in the mouth, teeth, jaws and face.

Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
These specialists interpret radiology scans to diagnose diseases or show the general condition of the mouth, teeth, jaws and face.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Dentists with this advanced degree have specific expertise in corrective surgery for problems with the tissues in the oral and maxillofacial regions.

Oral Medicine
Specialists in this area focus on oral healthcare for medically complex patients, along with diagnosing and managing medically related conditions affecting the mouth, teeth, jaws and face.

Orofacial Pain
Orofacial pain specialists diagnose, manage and treat pain disorders affecting the jaw, mouth, face, head and neck.

Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
These specialists correct the improper placement of the teeth with braces and other therapies.

Pediatric Dentistry
Dentists in this specialty work with infants and children to provide preventative and therapeutic dental services.

Periodontics
This specialty includes the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of problems with the tissue surrounding the teeth.

Prosthodontics
Prosthodontists provide solutions and comfort for people suffering from deficient or missing teeth.

The first step for any of these dental specialties is to get a degree in general dentistry, or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. If any of these specialized fields seem particularly interesting, then you might want to consider continuing your education with advanced degrees or getting the proper certifications to do what you love in the field of oral health.

Curious about becoming a dentist? Take a look at Roseman University’s College of Dental Medicine.

Reasons to Consider Becoming a Dentist

Deciding on a career path can be daunting for many people because there are a lot of rewarding professions out there, and you often have to make a decision about what you will do for the rest of your life at a young age. If you are interested in a career in the health professions but you’re not so sure about being a doctor or nurse, then you might want to consider dentistry. This appealing profession offers many advantages.

A Balanced Lifestyle

One reason becoming a dentist is so appealing is because the job provides a balanced lifestyle. Most dentists enjoy free time and flexibility. This makes it easier to balance the demands of family and personal life.

Service Oriented Industry

Dentists are service-oriented individuals who spend their days helping others improve their oral health. Through their efforts, they often improve people’s appearance as well.

Respected Career

Many people respect dentists and value their knowledge. This profession has a very positive connotation, and several of the top dentists are also leaders in their community.

Hands On Career

If you like hands on activities, then becoming a dentist is a great option. You will be able to use both creative and scientific talents to help others. In addition, you will spend your time detecting disease and treating problems.

Opportunity for Generating Income

There is a lot of opportunity for people with a background in dentistry. People of all ages require dental work, and there is a particularly strong demand for dentists among older individuals. With the elderly population going up and people living longer, this means you will have many opportunities for generating a good income.

Self-Employment

A lot of dentists are self-employed, and they own their practices. This enables them to be their own boss. The efforts you make each day directly benefit your financial well-being, and you can decide what patients you want to treat, where you want to live, and how often you want to work.

These are just a few compelling reasons to consider becoming a dentist. Many people love their job as a dentist, and this can be a very rewarding career path. Whether you are attracted to the flexibility, the environment, or any of the other benefits, there are a lot of advantages that come with this profession.