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To qualify as a dentist and work in the dental sector, the first step is to study the degree in Dentistry – something that you can do at Universidad Europea in Madrid or Valencia. However, as in many other careers, specialisation is the key to entering the job market and having professional success.
Do you want to know what are the most common dental specialties? In this article, we’ll tell you what each of them consists of. In this way, when the time comes to deciding in which direction you’d like to go, you will have all the information and you will be able to correctly choose the one that best suits your preferences and career plan.
If there is one thing that characterises the dentistry industry, it is the numerous specialisations that exist. In this section, we’ll look at the 10 most common specialities. Keep in mind there are more, which you will discover as you progress through your degree programme.
General dentists are mainly in charge of the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of basic problems that affect the oral health of their patients: periodic check-ups, cleanings, dental fillings or crowns, etc.
Likewise, they give advice on dental care and oral hygiene in order to avoid the development of more serious issues that would require the attention of a more specialised dentist.
A dentist specialising in oral and maxillofacial surgery is one who intervenes in the case of diseases and injuries that affect the head, neck, face, jaw and hard and soft tissues of the mouth. Also, this dentist also intervenes if the patient was born with a defect or malformation in these parts of the body. Depending on the complexity of the surgical treatment, it may require the involvement of other medical specialists.
Of the different specialties of dentistry, endodontics is the one that focuses on diseases that affect the dental pulp (the soft tissue of the tooth that contains the nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue), whether derived from an infection, or other causes.
Another name that this specialty of dentistry receives is dental aesthetics. It is aimed at improving the appearance of the smile through treatments such as whitening, porcelain veneers, implants, invisible orthodontics, etc. Of course, the aim is to always respect the natural appearance and balance of the teeth.
A pedodontist focuses their work on oral health care for newborns, children and adolescents, as well as on the prevention and early detection of dental problems.
This is the specialty of dentistry that deals with the study, prevention, diagnosis and correction of anomalies present in the teeth and jaw that affect the morphology and functioning of the masticatory apparatus. Its objective is to improve the patient's dental health, as well as aesthetics. An orthodontist provides teeth straightening by moving them through the bone structure with the use of braces or other corrective appliances.
Dentists who opt for this branch are dedicated to the study, diagnosis and treatment of pathologies that affect the teeth, jaws and temporomandibular joints as well as the gums, tongue, salivary glands and other soft tissues.
Periodontists are the experts responsible for the study and care of the gums and the area surrounding the tooth structure, as well as the application of the most appropriate treatment depending on the pathology that may affect them.
Prosthodontics is the branch that takes charge of the replacement and restoration of missing or damaged teeth through the use of crowns, bridges, implants and removable prostheses. With this, it is sought that the patient has a correct masticatory, phonetic and swallowing function, in addition to improving his physical appearance. Sometimes, the prosthodontist works closely with professionals from other dental specialties.
This is a dentist who performs the assessment of diseases from the study and interpretation of diagnostic imaging tests (x-rays, magnetic resonances, etc.) of the craniofacial and dental structures.
At Universidad Europea, if you choose the Degree in Dentistry in Valencia or Madrid, you will receive a comprehensive training that will enable to not only to choose the specialisation you’d like to go into, but be able to hit the ground running by already having extensive real-life experience. Our study plan offers subjects ranging from the fundamentals and introduction to dentistry to the different areas of specialisation we have mentioned in this post.
In addition, because we opt for an academic model based on experiential learning, you will have many opportunities to complete internships at dental practices and other centres, including our own clinics, gaining valuable experience. While on campus, you will have access to first class facilities, such as a simulated hospital, smart dental labs, and more.
We hope this post answers your questions about the different specialities in dentistry. If you’d like to go further, check out our academic offer of programmes in English and Spanish, online and on-campus.