The term “cosmetic dentist” has become very widely used in recent years. The truth is that any dentist with a license to practice can call themselves a “cosmetic dentist”. The American Dental Association (ADA) does not recognize cosmetic dentistry as a specialty.

Prosthodontists are the only dentists with advanced specialty training in creating optimal oral health and esthetics using dental implants, dentures, veneers, crowns and teeth whitening. 

Prosthodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. Graduate programs in prosthodontics include classroom lectures and seminars, laboratory and clinical training in esthetics/cosmetics, crowns, bridges, veneers, inlays, complete and removable partial dentures, dental implants, TMD-jaw joint problems, traumatic injuries to the mouth’s structures, congenital or birth anomalies to teeth, snoring, sleep disorders, and oral cancer reconstruction and continuing care. A Prosthodontist receives two to three years of additional specialty training after completing dental school.

If you are considering dental implants or other means of tooth replacement or a cosmetic enhancement to your smile, you need a Prosthodontist.

WHAT ARE THE DENTAL SPECIALTIES RECOGNIZED BY THE AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION?
Prosthodontics is the specialty recognized by the ADA for tooth restoration and replacement. The other specialties are:

Dental Public Health - Dental health issues dealing with the public at large.

Endodontics - Root canal treatment.

Orthodontics - Straightening of the teeth.

Oral Surgery - Implant placement, jaw alignment surgeries, extractions.

Oral Pathology - Diseases of the oral cavity.

Pediatric Dentistry - Children’s dentistry.

Periodontics - Treatment of the gums, implant placement.

Dental Radiology - Radiology of the mouth.