Information Retrieved from www.adea.org

GENERAL DENTISTRY:
General dentists use their oral diagnostic, preventive, surgical, and rehabilitative skills to restore damaged or missing tooth structure and treat diseases of the bone and soft tissue in the mouth and adjacent structures. They also provide patients with programs of preventive oral health care. Currently, there are 58 dental schools in the United States, including one in Puerto Rico. These schools enroll approximately 4,700 students in their first-year classes. Postdoctoral education is not required to practice as a general dentist. However, general practice residencies (GPR) and advanced education in general dentistry (AEGD) are available and can expand the general dentist's career options and scope of practice. The length of these general dentistry postdoctoral programs varies, but most are 12 months long. In the United States, there are 191 GPR programs with 908 first-year residents and 89 AEGD programs with 530 first-year residents.

ENDODONTICS: (ROOT CANAL)
Endodontists diagnose and treat diseases and injuries that are specific to the dental nerves and pulp (the matter inside the tooth) and tissues that affect the vitality of the teeth. Advanced dental education is required. Some programs offer certificates; others are degree programs at the master's (M.S.D.) level. Students interested in academic dentistry generally prefer degree programs. The length of programs varies, but most are 24 to 36 months long. There are 52 programs and 200 first-year residents in the United States. Visit the American Association of Endodontists at www.aae.org.

ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY: (ORAL SURGEONS)
This specialty requires practitioners to provide a broad range of diagnostic services and treatments for diseases, injuries, and defects of the neck, head, jaw, and associated structures. ADVANCED DENTAL EDUCATION IS REQUIRED. Programs vary in length from four to six years; some programs offer certificates and others include the awarding of an M.D. degree within the residency program. There are 100 programs and 210 first-year residents in the United States. Visit the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons at www.aaoms.org.

ORTHODONTICS AND DENTOFACIAL ORTHOPEDICS:
Orthodontists treat problems related to irregular dental development, missing teeth, and other abnormalities. Beyond "straightening teeth,"� orthodontists establish normal functioning and appearance for their patients. Advanced dental education is required. Some programs offer certificates; others are degree programs at the master's (M.S.D.) level. Students interested in academic dentistry generally prefer degree programs. The length of programs varies, but most are 24 to 36 months long. There are 60 programs and 330 first-year residents in the United States. Visit the American Association of Orthodontists at www.braces.org.

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY:
Pediatric dentists specialize in treating children from birth to adolescence. They also treat disabled patients beyond the age of adolescence. Postdoctoral education is required. Some programs offer certificates; others are degree programs at the master's (M.S.D.) or doctoral (Ph.D.) level. Students interested in academic dentistry generally prefer degree programs. The length of programs varies, but most are 24 to 36 months long. There are 65 programs and 292 first-year residents in the United States. Visit the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry at www.aapd.org

PERIODONTICS:
Periodontists diagnose and treat diseases of the gingival tissue and bone supporting the teeth. Gingival tissue includes the gum, the oral mucous membranes, and other tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth. Advanced dental education is required. Some programs offer certificates; others are degree programs at the master's (M.S.D.) or doctoral (Ph.D.) level. Students interested in academic dentistry generally prefer degree programs. The length of programs varies, but most are 36 months long. There are 53 programs and 175 first-year residents in the United States. Visit the American Academy of Periodontology at www.perio.org.

PROSTHODONTICS:
Prosthodontists replace missing natural teeth with fixed or removable appliances, such as dentures, bridges, and implants. Advanced dental education is required. Some programs offer certificates; others are degree programs at the master's (M.S.D.) level. Students interested in academic dentistry generally prefer degree programs. The length of programs varies, with training lasting between 12 and 36 months. There are 57 programs and 145 first-year residents in the United States. Visit the American College of Prosthodontists at www.prosthodontics.org.