Different Types of Dentists
✨Key Points
- Dentists specialize like doctors, often requiring referrals.
- General dentists handle checkups; specialists manage specific issues.
- Regular visits catch issues early, guiding specialist referrals.
When most people hear the word “dentist,” they usually think about routine teeth cleanings, cavity checks, or yearly appointments.
In reality, modern dentistry is far more specialized, and understanding the different types of dental professionals can make a major difference in getting the right treatment faster and more effectively.
This has become especially important with the growing trend of adult orthodontics and cosmetic dental care.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, nearly 1 in 3 orthodontic patients today are adults, showing that more people are seeking specialized dental treatments later in life to improve both oral health and confidence.
Many patients are surprised to learn that dentists, much like medical doctors, often specialize in specific areas of care, including orthodontics, oral surgery, gum disease treatment, root canals, and cosmetic procedures.
Understanding these specialties can help patients:
- Find the right dental expert for their specific problem;
- Avoid delays in treatment and unnecessary appointments;
- Feel more confident about what to expect during care;
- Improve long-term oral health and overall comfort;
- Access more advanced treatments designed for their needs.
The challenge is that many dental titles sound confusing or overly technical to the average person.
As a result, patients are often unsure whether they should see a general dentist first or contact a specialist directly.
Here is a simple guide to the main types of dentists, what they specialize in, and when you may need to see one.
General dentist
The most common type of dentist, and the type you see for a checkup at your local dental clinic.
Although they are only one type of dentist, general dentists are what most people need and know.
So, if you search “dentist in Browns Plains” or any other area, the results will show you general dentists.
Oral maxillofacial surgeon
These are specialists who typically complete 4-6 years of school in addition to the requirements to be general dentists.
If you’ve had wisdom teeth extracted, your general dentist probably sent you to one of these.
In addition to extractions, oral surgeons treat traumatic injuries and oral cancers. They also perform jaw surgeries and install implants.
Dental anesthesiologist
You might see these briefly before an oral surgeon gets to work. Anesthesiologists are the ones who put you to sleep.
Orthodontist
Another specialist who many people would have encountered, an orthodontist is the type of dentist who installs braces.
They specialize in diagnosing and fixing misaligned teeth and other problems with spacing and biting.
Endodontist
These specialize in root canal treatment. Although most general dentists are trained to perform root canals, they are complicated procedures that are more difficult to perform on some teeth than others.
This is why some general dentists prefer to refer root canal patients to a specialist.
Periodontist
These treat issues with the gums and bones around the mouth, such as receding gums, gum disease, and sensitive teeth.
Prosthodontist
As you get older, it is important to keep looking after your teeth.
If you don’t, you might end up losing them. This is where the prosthodontist comes in.
These specialists make and repair dentures, dental bridges and other dental implants.
These are the most common dental specialities. In most cases, and especially in dental emergencies or if you are experiencing pain in your mouth, your general dentist should be your first port of call.
You should also visit them twice a year for checkups. That way they can identify problems before they get too bad.
This makes any issues easier to treat. Your dentist will refer you to a specialist for any work you need that they cannot provide.
