Dental Specialties Recognized by the American Dental Association

A complete list of dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association, including their year of recognition, definitions, and key focus areas.

Dental anesthesiology (2019)

The specialty involving the art and science of managing the pain, anxiety, and overall health of a patient before, during, and after a procedure.

Dental public health (1950)

A unique specialty involving developing policies at the county, state, and national levels for programs to control and prevent disease, including fluoridation issues, community oral health education, and Head Start programs.

Endodontics (1964)

The specialty involving the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and injuries of the pulp and associated structures, commonly referred to as root canal therapy.

Oral and maxillofacial pathology (1946)

The specialty involving the nature, identification, and management of diseases affecting the oral cavity and adjacent structures, often requiring biopsies to provide a diagnosis.

Oral and maxillofacial radiology (1999)

A specialty using sophisticated imaging techniques to locate tumors and infectious diseases of the jaws, head, and neck, and assisting in the diagnosis of trauma, temporomandibular disorders, and wisdom teeth.

Oral and maxillofacial surgery (1918)

The diagnosis and surgical treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects involving both functional and esthetic aspects of the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial regions.

Oral medicine (2020)

The newest recognized specialty providing primary dental care to individuals with complex medical issues that require long-term management or modifications in the delivery of the care.

Orthodontics (1900)

The first dental specialty; it includes the diagnosis, prevention, interception, and correction of malocclusion of the teeth and associated structures.

Pediatric dentistry (1947)

A specialty providing both primary and comprehensive preventive and restorative health care for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special needs.

Periodontics (1947)

The specialty that involves the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the oral tissues supporting and surrounding the teeth.

Prosthodontics (1948)

The specialty involving the diagnosis of missing or deficient teeth, treatment planning, and rehabilitation/maintenance of oral function and appearance through artificial constructs.