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Definition of Dentistry
Dentistry is defined as the evaluation, diagnosis, prevention
and/or treatment (nonsurgical, surgical or related procedures)
of diseases, disorders and/or conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial
area and/or the adjacent and associated structures and their impact
on the human body; provided by a dentist, within the scope of his/her
education, training and experience, in accordance with the ethics
of the profession and applicable law. (As adopted by the 1997
ADA House of Delegates)
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Definitions of Recognized Dental Specialties
Approved by the Council on Dental Education and Licensure, American Dental Association
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)
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 Radiology: Oral and maxillofacial radiology is the specialty of dentistry and discipline of radiology concerned with the production and interpretation of images and data produced by all modalities of radiant energy that are used for the diagnosis and management of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral and maxillofacial region. (Adopted April 2001)
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)
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DDS—Doctor of Dental Surgery
DMD—Doctor of Dental Medicine
Indicates the degree awarded upon graduation from dental school to become a general dentist. There is no difference between the two degrees; dentists who have a DMD or DDS have the same education. Universities have the prerogative to determine what degree is awarded. Both degrees use the same curriculum requirements set by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation. Generally, three or more years of undergraduate education plus four years of dental school is required to graduate and become a general dentist. State licensing boards accept either degree as equivalent, and both degrees allow licensed individuals to practice the same scope of general dentistry. Additional post-graduate training is required to become a dental specialist, such as an orthodontist, periodontist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
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