Definitions of Recognized Dental Specialties
Endodontics: Endodontics is the branch of
dentistry which is concerned with the morphology, physiology and
pathology of the human dental pulp and periradicular tissues. Its study
and practice encompass the basic and clinical sciences including biology
of the normal pulp, the etiology, diagnosis, prevention and treatment
of diseases and injuries of the pulp and associated periradicular
conditions. (Adopted December 1983)
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology:
Oral pathology is the specialty of dentistry and discipline of pathology
that deals with the nature, identification, and management of diseases
affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions. It is a science that
investigates the causes, processes, and effects of these diseases. The
practice of oral pathology includes research and diagnosis of diseases
using clinical, radiographic, microscopic, biochemical, or other
examinations. (Adopted May 1991)
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery:
Oral and maxillofacial surgery is the specialty of dentistry which
includes the diagnosis, surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases,
injuries and defects involving both the functional and esthetic aspects
of the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region. (Adopted October 1990)
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics:
Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics is the dental specialty that
includes the diagnosis, prevention, interception, and correction of
malocclusion, as well as neuromuscular and skeletal abnormalities of the
developing or mature orofacial structures. (Adopted April 2003)
Pediatric Dentistry: Pediatric
Dentistry is an age-defined specialty that provides both primary and
comprehensive preventive and therapeutic oral health care for infants
and children through adolescence, including those with special health
care needs. (Adopted 1995)
Periodontics: Periodontics is that
specialty of dentistry which encompasses the prevention, diagnosis and
treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the
teeth or their substitutes and the maintenance of the health, function
and esthetics of these structures and tissues. (Adopted December 1992)
Prosthodontics: Prosthodontics is
the dental specialty pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment planning,
rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance
and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing
or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues using
biocompatible substitutes. (Adopted April 2003)
Dental Public Health: Dental public health
is the science and art of preventing and controlling dental diseases and
promoting dental health through organized community efforts. It is that
form of dental practice which serves the community as a patient rather
than the individual. It is concerned with the dental health education of
the public, with applied dental research, and with the administration
of group dental care programs as well as the prevention and control of
dental diseases on a community basis. (Adopted May 1976)
Source: http://www.ada.org/495.aspx
Active Specialists By County
as of October 1st, 2012