When patients seek care, sometimes they want a specialist.  Someone that has extra training and certified by an organization that has set the standard of care.

What does that really mean?  Some dentists limit themselves to only a certain procedure.  Does that make them a specialist? 

There are 4 specialties in Dentistry:

1. Orthodontics – moving teeth
2. Periodontics – tissues supporting teeth
3. Endodontics – root canal therapy
4. Oral Maxillofacial Surgery – surgeries in the mouth
5. Prosthodontics – crown and bridgework
6. Pediatrics – dentistry for children

There is NO specialty for cosmetic dentistry.  There is NO specialty for TMJ.  There is NO specialty for implants.  If someone only does root canals, but did not go to specialty school, are they a specialist?  Truthfully, no.

Patients need to do their homework.  If they want a dental implant and want an implant specialist, they may have a hard time.  Some periodontists and oral surgeons will tell them that THEY are specialists in implants, and they truly DO have training for this, they are not completely honest.  When a dentist says they are a cosmetic specialist, they aren’t being honest.  They may be very good at cosmetics, they may even do cosmetics exclusively, but they are not specialists.

Ultimately, patients need to be treated by someone that is capable and someone they can trust.