Your general dentist handles most of your dental care, but sometimes you will hear, “I’d like to refer you to a specialist.” The names (endodontist, periodontist, prosthodontist) sound similar and are easy to mix up. This guide explains what the main dental specialists do, when you might see one, and how to prepare for a referral.
How dental specialties are defined
In the United States, the National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards, which operates under the American Dental Association, formally recognizes dental specialties. It currently lists 12: dental anesthesiology, dental public health, endodontics, oral and maxillofacial pathology, oral and maxillofacial radiology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral medicine, orofacial pain, orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and prosthodontics. Specialists complete dental school followed by additional accredited training in their field. Some go on to become board-certified by a recognized certifying board.
Below we focus on the specialists patients meet most often.
Orthodontist
Focus: how teeth and jaws line up. The National Commission defines orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics as the diagnosis, prevention, interception and correction of malocclusion (a poor bite), along with related skeletal and muscular issues of the developing or mature face.
You might see one for: crowded or widely spaced teeth, overbites and underbites, crossbites, jaw growth concerns in children, or treatment with braces or clear aligners. Our article on clear aligners vs. braces covers questions to ask.
Periodontist
Focus: the gums and the bone that support the teeth. Periodontics covers the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of these supporting tissues, as well as tissues around dental implants.
You might see one for: moderate or advanced gum disease, gum recession, deep pockets around teeth, gum grafts, or placement and maintenance of implants. The CDC notes that more severe gum disease may be managed with a referral to a periodontist, and NIDCR describes periodontists as specialists in diagnosing and treating gum disease. See our guide to gum disease warning signs.
Endodontist
Focus: the inside of the tooth. Endodontics deals with the dental pulp (nerves and blood vessels) and the tissues around the root tip.
You might see one for: root canal treatment, especially on molars with complex anatomy, retreatment of a previous root canal, cracked teeth, dental injuries, or hard-to-diagnose tooth pain. The ADA’s MouthHealthy page on root canals notes that your dentist may refer you to an endodontist. Our root canal cost guide covers pricing factors.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeon
Focus: surgery of the mouth, jaws and face. The specialty includes diagnosis and surgical treatment of diseases, injuries and defects of the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region.
You might see one for: impacted or complicated wisdom teeth, difficult extractions, jaw surgery, facial trauma, some implant and bone grafting procedures, and evaluation of cysts or growths. Oral surgeons commonly offer various levels of sedation and anesthesia. See our guides on wisdom teeth and tooth extraction.
Other specialists you may hear about
Prosthodontist
Prosthodontists focus on restoring and replacing missing or damaged teeth with crowns, bridges, dentures and implant-supported restorations, especially in complex cases. See our comparison of implants, bridges and dentures.
Pediatric dentist
An age-defined specialty caring for infants, children and adolescents, including those with special health care needs. See our pediatric vs. general dentist guide.
Oral medicine and orofacial pain
Oral medicine specialists care for medically complex patients and conditions affecting the mouth. Orofacial pain specialists diagnose and manage pain disorders of the jaw, mouth, face, head and neck, such as some jaw joint problems.
Dental anesthesiology
Dental anesthesiologists manage pain, anxiety and overall patient health during dental procedures, which can be helpful for patients with severe anxiety or special needs. See our dental anxiety guide.
Do you need a referral?
Many specialists accept patients without a referral, but some insurance plans, especially HMO-style dental plans and Medicaid plans, require one for coverage. Check with your plan before booking. A referral from your general dentist also means the specialist receives your X-rays and notes, which can save time and avoid duplicate images.
How to prepare for a specialist visit
- Ask your general dentist to send records and X-rays ahead of time.
- Bring your medication list, medical history and insurance information.
- Ask for a written treatment plan and cost estimate, and whether follow-up care returns to your general dentist.
- Confirm the specialist’s license and listed specialty. Our guide on verifying a dentist’s license and NPI shows how.
Finding a specialist near you
Our directory lists dental providers by state and city, with specialty information drawn from public registry data. Use your city page to see which specialties practice nearby, then call to confirm availability and insurance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an endodontist and a periodontist?
An endodontist treats the inside of the tooth, such as the pulp in root canal treatment. A periodontist treats the gums and bone that support the teeth.
Does an orthodontist do the same work as a general dentist?
No. Orthodontists specialize in aligning teeth and jaws. Most people continue to see a general dentist for checkups and cleanings during orthodontic treatment.
Who removes wisdom teeth?
Many general dentists remove straightforward wisdom teeth. Impacted or complex cases are often referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
How many dental specialties are there?
The ADA’s National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards currently recognizes 12 dental specialties.
Photo: Bilal Izaddin / Pexels
Sources
- ADA National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards – Recognized Dental Specialties
- CDC – About Periodontal (Gum) Disease
- NIH / NIDCR – Periodontal (Gum) Disease
- ADA MouthHealthy – Root Canals
- ADA MouthHealthy – Wisdom Teeth
By the Dentists Reviews Editorial Team.
This is general information, not medical advice. Talk to a licensed dentist about your own situation. See our disclaimer.
