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Quick Reference

Dental specialists
To be a legitimate "specialist" within a particular discipline in dentistry, a dentist is required by the American Dental Association to undergo at least two years of advanced training, accredited by the ADA Council on Dental Education.

Endodontists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of the root pulp and related structures of the teeth, such as the root canal.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform tooth extractions and diagnose and surgically treat diseases, injuries, and defects of the mouth, jaw, and face.

Oral pathologists diagnose tumors and other diseases and injuries of the head and neck.

Orthodontists diagnose and correct tooth alignment and facial deformities.

Pediatric dentists provide dental care for infants, children, adolescents, and sometimes special-needs patients.

Periodontists diagnose and treat diseases of the gums and related structures in the mouth.

Prosthodontists perform diagnosis and treatment involving the replacement of missing teeth.

Public health dentists prevent and control dental disease and perform public education services related to the promotion of oral health and hygiene.

If you would like a specialist to treat you, be sure to ask if she has advanced training in that dental discipline. Some dentists claim to be specialists, when they merely limit their practice or wish to focus on a certain aspect of their practice. They may provide excellent dental care but not have the advanced training necessary to earn the "specialist" designation.

Deciphering Dental Credentials
When you see abbreviations like AACD or FAGD after a dentist's name, what does that mean to you as a patient? Should you choose a dentist with a DMD, or a DDS? Are dentists with MAGD after their names superior to those without this designation?

And what about dental specialists? What is the difference between a periodontist and a prosthodontist? Or an orthodontist and an endodontist?

Here's what it all means:
DDS—Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Science. This is a four-year dental degree that is required before a dentist can be licensed to practice in the United States. Dentists with training in other countries must complete approximately two years of additional coursework in the United States before they are eligible for licensing here.

DMD—Doctor of Medical Dentistry. There is no difference between a DMD and a DDS degree. The American Dental Association states that the credentials are identical; dental students at the University of Pittsburgh, the University of Florida, Tufts, the University of Oregon Health Sciences Center and the University of Louisville earn DMDs. All other schools confer DDS's.

FAGD—Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. General dentists do not specialize in any one facet of dentistry. According to the AGD, an FAGD "has been recognized by other dentists as a leader who is committed to quality patient care through continuing dental education." An FAGD dentist must earn a minimum of 500 approved continuing dental education credits and pass a comprehensive 400-question examination. She must also be an Academy of General Dentistry member for five continuous years.

MAGD—Master of the Academy of General Dentistry. To achieve this status, AGD members must first be fellows in the Academy of General Dentistry. They then must earn an additional 600 approved continuing education credits—of which 400 hours are hands-on courses. A Master of the Academy of General Dentistry has taken a total of 1,100 hours of continuing education, with courses in 16 disciplines in dentistry, such as periodontics, orthodontics and implants.

Additionally, to remain a member of the AGD, a dentist must complete at least 75 hours of continuing education every three years.

Sources: American Dental AssociationAmerican Council on Science and Health