The Different Types of Dentists and What They Specialise In

We understand—dentists, whether they have a speciality or not, are all dental professionals to us, and that’s normal, because you don’t usually check the specialisation of a professional unless you really need to. At the same time, they are admittedly hard to pronounce and remember, which specialises in what. But knowing who to see, especially when you need to transform the beauty of your smile, can save you time, money, and even your peace of mind. We’re here to help you break down the different types of dentists, what each one handles, why you might want to see one, and why all information leads to something that Canterbury dental clinic can handle.

What Is a "Specialised Dentist"?

A specialised dentist is a dental professional who has extra training and experience beyond what regular dental school provides, and this may be in the form of postgraduate studies. When a dental practitioner is labelled by the appropriate regulation agency with something they specialise in, it assures you that they are eligible to practice advanced orthodontics.

Meet the Team: Dental Specialities & What They Do

Here are some of the dental professionals that you or your family might need at present or in the future:

General dentist. This profession is your first port of call, meaning they are the ones who handle all the things a regular dental practitioner would do, including the cleanings and overall oral check-ups. And if your teeth need someone more specialised because of an issue, they’ll be the ones to recommend them to you.

Endodontist. An endodontist is a dental professional focused on the nerves of your tooth down to the roots, as they are the ones to call when the treatments you need are to save your infected teeth.

Orthodontist. You might not know what to call them, but you are familiar with their services, especially if you have friends or family members who wear braces, retainers, or aligners. Orthodontists are the dental people you are to call when there’s something in your tooth that needs correcting or even aligning.

Periodontist. While we take care of the inside of our mouth, we also have to consider taking a look at the lining too. A periodontist is a dental professional that manages problems like gum disease and gingivitis.

Prosthodontist. While they are not artists or artisans for that matter, when it comes to restoring your missing teeth and even dentures that have been cracked because of an injury or something you never thought of happening, they are the professionals who can fix your dentures and even design them to fit into the teeth you need restored.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS). Dental extractions are what these surgeons specialise in, especially when the issue has become so severely complex that even other dentists cannot already handle it. And they are even on the frontlines of emergency dental care because they reconstruct your jaw back to normalcy and even align your teeth for when you need it.

Paediatric dentist. One thing that amazes us about paediatric dentists is not only the patience they exude when dealing with kids but also how skilled they are when it comes to tiny mouths. These specialists handle child-specific issues well and are gentle with it. And whenever there are mannerisms in your child that need to be corrected, like thumb-sucking, they are the ones you need to call.

Oral pathologist. Noticing something odd in any part of your body is concerning, and it is more than just a concern when the tissues become a disease of the mouth. These dental professionals investigate unknown lumps in your mouth that can lead to oral cancers.

Dental public health specialist. When a community prioritises its oral well-being, that’s an achievement of this specialist. A dental public health specialist is someone who works with the government to put preventive programmes in place so that remote communities can have access to better health and well-being.

Choosing the Right Specialist: What Matters

Even if you figure out which dental specialist to call, some things need to be done first before you reach them. First is that you need to know your problem so that the general dentist can recommend you to a specialist. If the dental professional is within your area, check their credentials first before choosing them. At the same time, always check and be ready for the dental policies and what your health fund provides as part of what you need to pay in advance and what you can pay in phases.