On this blog, we’ve previously discussed the steps for becoming a dentist or dental assistant. Let’s say you’ve read our blog, networked with a dentist in Dublin CA, or visited a dentist office in Cary NC, to learn more about what they do, and you’re on your way to dentistry school. Your next question may be, do I remain a general dentist, or do I go on to specialize in something like dental surgeries or orthodontia?
Dental subspecialties are officially recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA), and the requirements for these acknowledgements vary. The ADA recognizes specialties in areas where the maintenance or restoration of oral health is contingent on a dentist’s advanced knowledge or skill set.
Some dentists, like Dr. Huang of All in One Dental Innovations, offer comprehensive dental services, and perform routine exams and cleanings, as well as more complex procedures, that typically require referrals to an outside office. If you decide you would like to have a practice like this, you will, needless to say, have to go another 2-3 years of training and perhaps participate in a fellowship or other post-graduate training.
Alliance Dentistry’s Invisalign dentists in Cary NC are no different. Drs. Timothy and Maureen Raczka have undergone residencies in General Dentistry and Dental Oncology, and have held several teaching positions in various aspects of dentistry. This has taken them through many years, dental practices and relocations. Though you cannot know the future, you should consider whether or not you are ready for the many changes life will bring to you.
Dental subspecialties include:
- Dental Public Health
- Endodontics
- Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
- Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Periodontics
- Prosthodontics
You may learn more about these subspecialties from the American Dental Association’s website. If you have chosen this challenging and rewarding career path, congratulations! You have a lot of wonderful possibilities ahead of you and many interesting things to learn. It is normal to feel overwhelmed by your options, but the best way to tackle this is to learn about your choices, a little at a time, and look forward to restoring healthy smiles.