Choosing a dental specialty can be a difficult decision. There are many different specialties available, such as endodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, and prosthodontics. Each specialty has its own set of skills and techniques, and it is important to consider which one best suits your interests and goals. It is also important to consider the type of patients you want to work with, as well as the type of environment you would like to work in. The decision of which dental specialty to choose should be based on your own individual goals, interests, and preferences.
Dental Specialities in the UK
In the UK there are 13 Dental specialities:
Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology
Dental Public Health, Endodontics
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Oral Medicine, Oral Microbiology
Oral Surgery
Orthodontics
Paediatric Dentistry
Periodontology
Prosthodontics
Restorative Dentistry
Special Care Dentistry.
Dental Specialities in the USA
In the USA there are 12 Dental specialities:
Endodontist
Orthodontist
Periodontist
Prosthodontist
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologist
Dentist Anesthesiologists
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologist
Pediatric Dentist or Pedodontist
Orofacial Pain (OFP)
Oral Medicine
Dental Public Health (DPH)
Dental Specialities in Australia
In Australia there are 13 Dental specialities:
Endodontics
Dento-maxillofacial radiology
Forensic odontology
Oral medicine,
Orthodontics
Oral and maxillofacial surgery
Oral and maxillofacial pathology
Paediatric dentistry
Periodontics
Prosthodontics
Public health dentistry
Special needs dentistry
What is endodontics?
Endodontics is a dental specialty that treats tooth pulp problems and root issues. The main aim of an endodontist is to relieve pain while keeping the natural tooth. They treat tooth decay, tooth abscess, tooth injuries, and cracked tooth. They have to finish 4 years of dental school, then they receive 2 years of focused specialty training.
What is Periodontics?
Periodontics is a dental specialty that treats conditions that affect the tissues around your teeth. They also perform gum surgeries. For example, gingival flaps and grafts. They have to finish 4 years of dental school, then they receive 3 years of focused specialty training.
What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a dental specialty that focuses on straightening your teeth. The purpose of orthodontics is to prevent and correct tooth malocclusions. They use braces, clear aligners, retainers, and palate expanders. Upon graduation from dental school, they receive two to three years of focused specialty training.
What is Pedodontics?
Pedodontics is a dental specialty that deals with children`s teeth. A pediatric dentist or pedodontist's routine job is to control tooth decay. Moreover, they give instructions about using fluoride and diet. They use growth-influencing techniques to align the jaw.
What is Prosthodontics?
Prosthodontics is a dental specialty that deals with teeth implants. They substitute missing teeth and contiguous tissues with artificial ones, or prostheses. They have to finish 4 years of dental school, then they receive 3 years of focused specialty training.
What is oral and maxillofacial surgery?
Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a dental specialty that diagnoses and deals with the required surgeries for the jaws. They treat cysts and tumors. They have to finish 4 years of dental school, then they receive 6 years of focused specialty training.
What is oral and maxillofacial radiology?
Oral and maxillofacial radiology is a dental specialty that deals with the use of X-rays for the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the mouth and jaw. They have to finish 4 years of dental school, then they receive 2 years of focused specialty training.
What is oral and maxillofacial pathology?
The oral and maxillofacial pathologist is a dental specialty that diagnoses samples of everything in the oral cavity. They have to finish 4 years of dental school, then they receive 1-3 years of focused specialty training.
What is cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is a dental specialty that focuses on the appearance and aesthetics of your smile. They brighten your teeth and fill any cracks. They do teeth whitening, dental bonding, veneers, teeth, and gum contouring. They have to finish 4 years of dental school, then they receive 4 years of focused specialty training.
What is Dental anesthesiology?
Dental anesthesiology is a dental specialty that deals with anesthesia for dental procedures. They use sedation and pain management to facilitate dental procedures. They have to finish 4 years of dental school, then they receive 3 years of focused specialty training.
What are the pros and cons of being a dentist?
Pros of being a dentist
Dentistry is a highly respectable job. It is a rewarding profession, both financially and professionally. As a dentist, you are your own boss, and you can expect to earn a good salary. Moreover, the job is fulfilling, as you get to help people improve their oral health and make them feel better about themselves. Furthermore, dentistry is a career that requires a great deal of knowledge and skill, which makes it an even more admirable profession. All in all, dentistry is a highly respectable job that provides a great deal of satisfaction and financial rewards.
Cons of being a dentist
Dental school is an expensive endeavor, often requiring several years of study. The process can be stressful, as dentists are responsible for a high level of care and must be prepared to handle a variety of challenging cases. The pressure of this responsibility can be difficult to manage and can cause undue stress for some people.
How much can I make if I become a dentist?
Having an idea of how much you will make can help you plan your finances and determine when you can pay off your medical school loans.
It is important to know that certain dental specialties have different training and education requirements, which can affect pay disparities.
In the USA, the average dentist with less than two years of experience earns around 139,000 USD a year. The average salary for someone with two to five years of experience is 178,000 USD.
The highest-paying specialty is dental anesthesiology followed by the orthodontist.
Which states have the highest employment level of Dentists?
According to the US bureau of labor statistics, New York state has the highest employment level in Dentists followed by California. The top-paying state for the dentist in Delaware.
Can foreign dentists work in the USA?
There is an increasing demand for dentists nowadays. Foreign-educated dentists seeking to practice in the United States should be aware that most states require a degree from a dental education program accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). The licensure requirements may vary from state to state. In general, all dental licensure applicants must meet three basic requirements:
1- D.D.S or D.M.D.
2- Written examination.
3- Clinical examination.
Internationally educated dental graduates are required to attend an advanced standing program for 2-3 years. Then they can receive the D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree. The American dental education association (ADEA) allows you to submit one standardized application, rather than individual applications to each program. The ADEA allows you to apply to multiple advanced standing programs at once. The application fees are $264 for the first program you apply to and $115 for each additional program. Some programs require applicant background checks prior to acceptance. You need to create your ADEA Centralized application for advanced placement for an international dentist (ADEA CAAPID) Account then fill out your application.
The dental examination varies in each state. Each state dental board sets the clinical licensure requirements for its state. Some states require examination on patients while others accept manikin. Some exams are completed over 2-3 days.