Chapter 1 : Introduction to Dentistry

Topics covered in this snack-sized chapter:



Introduction to Dentistry arrow_upward


  • Study, prevention, and treatment of diseases and disorders of the oral cavity.
  • Essential for the overall human health.
  • Dentists practice dentistry.
  • The dentist's team may include:
    • Dental assistants
    • Dental hygienists
    • Dental technicians
    • Dental therapists

    Branches of Dentistry arrow_upward


  • Following are specializations within the field of dentistry:
    • Oral Pathology
    • Oral and maxillofacial Surgery
    • Endodontics
    • Orthodontics
    • Prosthodontics
    • Periodontics
    • Pedodontics
    • Preventive and Community Dentistry

    Preventive and Community Dentistry

  • Focus on preservation of healthy teeth and gums and prevention of dental diseases.

    • Pedodontics

  • Deals with the treatment of children’s teeth.

    • Periodontics

  • Deals with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the tissues and structures that are present around the teeth.

    • Prosthodontics

  • Deals with the restoration and maintenance of oral structures with structures and materials such as dentures and bridges.

    • Orthodontics

  • Deals with the maintenance of the posture and straightening of the teeth, management of irregularities and abnormalities of teeth, jaw and oral structures.

    • Endodontics

  • Deals with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the diseases affecting dental pulp, root and periapical tissues.

    • Oral and maxillofacial Surgery

  • Deals with the surgical procedures and treatment related to teeth, jaws, face and other oral tissues.

    • Oral Pathology

  • Focus on investigation of causes, processes and effects of the diseases that affect the oral and maxillofacial tissues.

    • Periodontics arrow_upward


  • Greek peri "around" and odons "tooth".
  • Focus on
    • Structures of teeth
    • Diseases
  • Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
  • Periodontists are professionals who practice this field of dentistry.

    • Orthodontics arrow_upward


  • Greek orthos "straight "; and odontos "tooth".
  • Orthodontic treatment can be carried out for purely aesthetic reasons.

    • Prosthodontist arrow_upward


  • A Prosthodontist is a dentist who specializes in this field.

  • A type of cosmetic dentistry (a bridge is shown above).
  • Focus on:
    • Cosmetic restoration
    • Cosmetic replacement of teeth
    • Includes dentures and bridges
  • Need up to four years of additional training after dental school.

    • Restorative and Conservative Dentistry arrow_upward


  • Focus on injuries and defects in the face and jaws.
  • To correct a spectrum of dental diseases.
  • Focus on hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region.

    • Pediatric Dentistry arrow_upward


  • Branch of dentistry dealing with children from birth through adolescence.
  • Focuses on pediatric/adolescent growth and development.
  • Includes child psychology and child tooth management.

    • Preventive Dentistry arrow_upward


  • Preservation of healthy teeth and gums.
  • Prevention of dental and oral diseases.



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