Which Dental Professional Should You Visit for Your Dental Issues?
When you’re dealing with dental issues, it’s important to know which type of dental professional is the right one to visit. From general dentists to highly specialized professionals, each dental role is uniquely equipped to handle specific oral health concerns. Here’s your complete recommendation guide—organized by specialty—to help you make the best choice for your needs.
🧼 General Care and Preventive Services
| Specialty | Description | Can Be Called Doctor? |
|---|---|---|
| Dentist (DDS/DMD) | General designation for a licensed dental practitioner. | ✅ Yes |
| General Practice (GP) | Broad range of dental services without a specialized focus. | ✅ Yes |
| Dental Hygienist (RDH) | Performs cleanings, preventive care, and patient education. | ❌ No |
| Dental Therapist (DT) | Mid-level provider offering basic dental services, often in underserved areas. | ❌ No |
Visit if: You need routine checkups, cleanings, fillings, or overall oral health maintenance.
👶 Children’s Dental Needs
| Specialty | Description | Can Be Called Doctor? |
|---|---|---|
| Pediatric Dentistry (Pedo) | Oral health care for children. | ✅ Yes |
Visit if: Your child needs dental care tailored to growing teeth and behavioral needs.
😬 Teeth Alignment and Appearance
| Specialty | Description | Can Be Called Doctor? |
|---|---|---|
| Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (Ortho) | Correct teeth and jaw alignment. | ✅ Yes |
| Prosthodontics (Prosth) | Replaces teeth with prosthetic devices. | ✅ Yes |
| Denturist (DD) | Specializes in fitting and making dentures. | ❌ No |
Visit if: You need braces, Invisalign, or dentures.
🦷 Tooth Pain and Damage
| Specialty | Description | Can Be Called Doctor? |
|---|---|---|
| Endodontics (Endo) | Treat diseases of the dental pulp (e.g., root canals). | ✅ Yes |
| Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) | Performs surgery on mouth, jaws, and face. | ✅ Yes |
Visit if: You’re experiencing tooth pain, infection, or need a root canal or extraction.
🩸 Gum and Bone Health
| Specialty | Description | Can Be Called Doctor? |
|---|---|---|
| Periodontics (Perio) | Focus on gums and supporting structures of teeth. | ✅ Yes |
Visit if: You have gum disease, bleeding gums, or need dental implants.
🧠 Complex or Chronic Issues
| Specialty | Description | Can Be Called Doctor? |
|---|---|---|
| Orofacial Pain (OFP) | Manages chronic or complex pain in the oral/facial region. | ✅ Yes |
| Oral Medicine (OM) | Treats medically complex patients and oral disease. | ✅ Yes |
| Dental Anesthesiology (DA) | Provides anesthesia for dental procedures. | ✅ Yes |
Visit if: You’re dealing with chronic facial pain, nerve disorders, or need specialized care during procedures.
🧪 Diagnostics and Disease Control
| Specialty | Description | Can Be Called Doctor? |
|---|---|---|
| Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology (OMP) | Diagnoses diseases in the oral and facial region. | ✅ Yes |
| Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (OMR) | Specializes in diagnostic imaging of the face and jaws. | ✅ Yes |
| Dental Public Health (DPH) | Focus on preventing and controlling dental diseases. | ✅ Yes |
Visit if: You need advanced diagnostics, imaging, or public health services.
🧑🔬 Dental Support Roles
| Specialty | Description | Can Be Called Doctor? |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (DA) | Supports dentists with patient care and procedures. | ❌ No |
These professionals are essential team members but do not diagnose or treat on their own.
📝 Final Thoughts
- 🧭 Start with a General Dentist for most concerns—they can diagnose, treat, or refer you.
- 📋 Ask for a referral if your condition is complex or persistent.
- 🔬 Specialists are often needed for surgical, orthodontic, pediatric, or chronic pain issues.
Choosing the right dental professional ensures faster diagnosis, effective treatment, and better long-term care. Use this guide next time you’re wondering who to call when your teeth start talking back!