Throughout the course of your dental health journey, you may find yourself in the care of various dental professionals who differ in background and specialties. Use this guide to better understand the different types of dental health professionals.

Dental Specialist: A dentist who has received postgraduate training in one of the recognized dental specialties: endodontics, orthodontics, oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and prosthodontics.

DDS: Doctor of Dental Surgery.

DMD: Doctor of Dental Medicine.

Endodontist: A dental specialist who treats diseases of the pulp and nerve of the tooth.

General Dentist: A primary dental care provider that performs preventive care as well as restorative procedures such as fillings, crowns, implants, and more.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon: A dental specialist who is most commonly known to remove teeth but also treats diseases, injuries, defects, and deformities of the oral and maxillofacial regions.

Orthodontist: A dental specialist who straightens or moves misaligned teeth and/or jaw.

Pediatric Dentist: A dentist who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of the oral health needs of children.

Periodontist: A dentist who specializes in diagnosing, managing, and treating the tissue, gums, and bone that support the teeth.