Choosing a dentist
Types of dentists: who treats what
Written by the Vetted Dentists team from the sources listed below. Last checked November 9, 2026.
The short answer
Start with a general dentist for check-ups and most treatment. See a specialist when a problem is complex or outside everyday care: an orthodontist for braces, an endodontist for a difficult root canal, a periodontist for gum disease, an oral surgeon for impacted wisdom teeth.
General dentists
A general dentist is your main dental provider. They examine, clean, fill, crown and extract teeth, treat early gum disease and spot problems that need a specialist. Every dentist in California holds the same dental license, whether or not they later specialize.
The dental specialties
Twelve dental specialties are formally recognized in the United States. A specialist finishes dental school, then completes an accredited residency in one field. These are the specialists patients see most often.
| Type of dentist | What they treat | Training after dental school |
|---|---|---|
| General dentist | Check-ups, cleanings, fillings, crowns and most everyday care for all ages | Dental school (DDS or DMD) |
| Orthodontist | Crooked teeth and bite problems, with braces and aligners | 2 to 3 more years |
| Endodontist | Root canals and other treatment inside the tooth | 2 or more years |
| Periodontist | Gum disease, gum surgery and implant placement | 3 more years |
| Prosthodontist | Crowns, bridges, dentures and full-mouth reconstruction | 3 more years |
| Oral and maxillofacial surgeon | Wisdom teeth, jaw surgery, facial injuries and implants | 4 to 6 more years, in a hospital |
| Pediatric dentist | Infants, children, teenagers and patients with special needs | 2 or more years |
Specialists you are less likely to book yourself
The other recognized specialties are dental anesthesiology, dental public health, oral and maxillofacial pathology, oral and maxillofacial radiology, oral medicine and orofacial pain. Patients usually reach these specialists through a referral.
Labels that are not specialties
“Cosmetic dentist”, “family dentist”, “implant dentist” and “sedation dentist” describe what a practice focuses on. They are not recognized specialties. Sedation is different in one way: in California it requires a state permit, which you can check. See our guide to sedation options and permits.
How to tell what a dentist is qualified to do
Check the license
A current California license is the baseline for every dentist. Our guide shows how to check a license in two minutes.
Check the declared specialty
Profiles in this directory show the specialty a dentist has declared in the federal provider registry. For specialist care, ask the office where the dentist completed their residency and whether they are board certified.
Find a specialist near you
- Orthodontists in California
- Endodontists in California
- Periodontists in California
- Prosthodontists in California
- Oral Surgeons in California
- Pediatric Dentists in California
- Sedation Dentists in California
Questions people ask
What is the difference between a DDS and a DMD?
None in practice. Doctor of Dental Surgery and Doctor of Dental Medicine are the same degree with the same training. Which one a dentist holds depends on the school.
Do I need a referral to see a specialist?
Usually not. Most specialists accept patients directly, although some dental plans require a referral before they pay.
Is a cosmetic dentist a specialist?
No. Cosmetic dentistry is not a recognized specialty. Any dentist can describe their practice that way, so ask about training and experience.
Can a general dentist do root canals, extractions and implants?
Yes. A general dentist’s license covers the full scope of dentistry, and many provide these treatments. They refer complex cases to a specialist.
Sources
- National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards: recognized dental specialties
- American Association of Orthodontists
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- Dental Board of California
This guide is general information, not dental or medical advice. Ask a licensed dentist about your own situation.