Dentistry Specializations in USA, UK and Australia – What Specializations Should I Do for Dentistry?

Before we dive into the Dentistry specialization, you should be able to differentiate between the following:

General Dental Council: an independent organization which regulates dentists and dental care professionals in the UK.

National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards (NCRDSCB): The National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards (NCRDSCB) recognizes dental specialties in order to safeguard the public, advance the art and science of dentistry, and enhance patient care in the USA.

Dental Board of Australia: The Dental Board of Australia works to ensure that Australia’s dental practitioners are suitably trained, qualified and safe to practice. Public safety is our priority.

In this article, we are going to cover areas of specialization in dentistry offered by various institutes categorize by their country of origin.

Dentistry Specialization in Australia

Below are the 13 dentistry specializations offered in Australia by Dental Board of Australia:

1.      Dento-maxillofacial radiology

Applied diagnostic imaging techniques to the oral and maxillofacial region’s hard and soft tissues.

2.      Endodontic

The pulpo-dentine complex and periradicular tissues’ morphology and pathophysiology

3.      Oral and maxillofacial surgery

Diagnosis, surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries and defects of human jaws and associated structures.

4.      Oral medicine

The treatment of individuals whose oral and maxillofacial conditions are long-term and medically connected.

5.      Oral pathology

The branch of pathology, dealing with the disease’s nature that affects the oral, maxillofacial and adjacent regions.

6.      Oral surgery

Surgical management of conditions affecting the oral and dento-alveolar tissues.

7.      Orthodontic

Guidance, supervision and correction of the growing and mature dentofacial structures.

8.      Paediatric dentistry

Oral health care for children and those with special needs.

9.      Periodontics

Treatment of diseases or anomalies of the tissues that support teeth, as well as replacements.

10.  Prosthodontics

Reconstruction of the natural teeth, replacement of missing teeth, and substitution of contiguous oral and maxillofacial tissues

11.  Public health dentistry (Community dentistry)

Research and administration of dental care programs, including prevention and control of oral diseases on a community basis.

12.  Special needs dentistry

The special oral health care for people with an intellectual disability, medical, physical or psychiatric conditions.

13.  Forensic odontology

The examination and evaluation of dental evidence for interests of justice.

Dentistry Specialization in the USA

The National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards (NCRDSCB) recognizes only 12 dentistry specializations mentioned below:

1. Endodontist
2. Orthodontist
3. Periodontist
4. Prosthodontist
5. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
6. Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologist
7. Dentist Anesthesiologists
8. Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologist
9. Pediatric Dentist or Pedodontist
10. Orofacial Pain (OFP)
11. Oral Medicine
12. Dental Public Health (DPH)

Dentistry Specialization in the UK

1. Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology
2. Dental Public Health
3. Endodontics
4. Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
5. Oral Medicine
6. Oral Microbiology
7. Oral Surgery
8. Orthodontics
9. Paediatric Dentistry
10. Periodontics
11. Prosthodontics
12. Restorative Dentistry
13. Special Care Dentistry

What Dentistry Specializations Should You Do?

There could be various factors and reasons for choosing the one from the above mentioned list. However, most of professionals prefer to go with Radiology, Oral Surgery, and Orthodontics. Major reasons could be good payoff, reputation, value, respect, and interest. Besides, you must consider other factors, which include skills and long-term career goals.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a specialization that suits you and offers a good salary:

• Personal Interest
• Aptitude and Skills
• Job Market Demand
• Work-Life Balance
• Mentorship and Training Opportunities
• Salary and Financial Considerations
• Professional Growth and Advancement