Just as doctors do, some dentists undergo additional training to become specialists.

If you have a more complex or specific dental problem, your regular dentist may refer you to a specialist with additional expertise in that area.

Below is an overview of the main dental specialities and what they do.

Special care dentistry

Special care dentists look after people who may find routine dental treatment difficult.

This includes people with:

• Physical disabilities.
• Learning or intellectual disabilities.
• Medical conditions.
• Mental health needs.
• Sensory sensitivities.
• Emotional or social challenges.

They focus on:

• Preventive care.
• Making dental visits more comfortable.
• Adapting treatment to individual needs.

Oral surgery

Oral surgeons treat dental problems that need surgery.

This can include:

• Removing difficult or impacted teeth (such as wisdom teeth).
• Treating infections or cysts.
• Managing jaw problems.
• Minor surgery inside the mouth.

Orthodontics

Orthodontists straighten teeth and improve how the upper and lower teeth fit together.

They use:

• Braces.
• Clear aligners.
• Retainers.

Orthodontic treatment can help improve:

• Appearance.
• Chewing.
• Speech.
• Long-term dental health.

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Paediatric dentistry

Paediatric dentists specialise in caring for children’s teeth, from babies through to teenagers.

They are trained to:

• Manage children’s dental needs.
• Support anxious or nervous children.
• Treat developing teeth and jaws.

They often care for children with additional needs or complex dental problems.

Endodontics

Endodontists specialise in saving teeth.

They mainly carry out root canal treatment.

This involves treating the inside of the tooth (called the pulp) when it becomes infected or damaged, helping avoid tooth removal.

Periodontics

Periodontists specialise in gum health.

They diagnose and treat:

• Gingivitis (early gum disease).
• Periodontitis (advanced gum disease).

They help protect the gums and bone that support the teeth.

Prosthodontics

Prosthodontists replace missing or badly damaged teeth.

They work with:

• Crowns.
• Bridges.
• Dentures.
• Implant-supported teeth.

Their focus is on restoring function, comfort and appearance.

Restorative dentistry

Restorative dentists repair and rebuild teeth that are damaged, decayed or poorly shaped.

This may include:

• Fillings.
• Crowns.
• Bridges.
• Complex dental repairs.

The aim is to restore normal function and comfort.

Dental public health

Dental public health specialists do not usually treat individual patients.

Instead, they focus on:

• Preventing oral disease.
• Improving oral health across communities.
• Reducing inequalities.
• Developing public health programmes and policies.

Oral medicine

Oral medicine specialists diagnose and manage medical conditions that affect the mouth.

They treat problems such as:

• Long-term mouth pain.
• Ulcers.
• Autoimmune conditions.
• Medically related mouth disorders.

Dental and maxillofacial radiology

These specialists focus on dental imaging.

They use X-rays and scans to:

• Diagnose dental and jaw problems.
• Support complex treatment planning.
• Assess disease or injury.

What does this mean for you?

Most people will receive all their care from a general dentist.

If specialist treatment is needed, your dentist will explain why and arrange a referral.

If you have questions about a referral, always ask your dental team; they’re there to help you understand your care.