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Which Dental Specialist Do I Need?

Root canal, gum surgery, implants, TMJ or a child's care? Pick what you need help with to see which of the 12 ADA-recognized dental specialists fits, their extra training, whether you need a referral and where to find one.

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Only used to explain referral rules. Your plan card or handbook says which type you have.

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The specialist who fits

ADA-recognized specialty

Endodontist

An ADA-recognized specialty (Endodontics), one of 12.

Bad pain, swelling or an injury right now? Check how urgent it is before you look for a specialist.

Details

    Based on the National Commission's list of recognized specialties and the CODA accreditation standards. Directory links open the specialty groups' own websites.

    All 12 ADA-recognized dental specialties

    Highlighted rows fit your picks.

    The 12 dental specialties recognized by the ADA's National Commission, with minimum training after dental school and the year each was recognized
    SpecialistWhat they doMinimum training after dental schoolRecognizedFind one
    Dentist anesthesiologistDental Anesthesiology
    		Sedation and general anesthesia for dental care36 months (3 years)2019Find (ASDA) (opens in a new tab)
    Dental public health specialistDental Public Health
    		Community dental health programs and research12 months, or 2 academic years1950About (AAPHD) (opens in a new tab)
    EndodontistEndodontics
    		Root canals and the inside of the tooth24 months (2 years)1963Find (AAE) (opens in a new tab)
    Oral and maxillofacial pathologistOral and Maxillofacial Pathology
    		Diagnosing mouth and jaw diseases, including biopsies36 months (3 years)1949About (AAOMP) (opens in a new tab)
    Oral and maxillofacial radiologistOral and Maxillofacial Radiology
    		Reading 3D scans and other images of the mouth and jaws24 months (2 years)1999Find (AAOMR) (opens in a new tab)
    Oral and maxillofacial surgeon (oral surgeon)Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
    		Surgery of the mouth, jaws and face, including wisdom teeth4 years1947Find (AAOMS) (opens in a new tab)
    Oral medicine specialistOral Medicine
    		Mouth diseases, and care for medically complex patients2 academic years (24 months)2020Find (AAOM) (opens in a new tab)
    Orofacial pain specialistOrofacial Pain
    		Jaw, face, head and neck pain, including TMJ disorders2 academic years (24 months)2020Find (AAOP) (opens in a new tab)
    OrthodontistOrthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
    		Braces, aligners and bite problems24 months (2 years)1947Find (AAO) (opens in a new tab)
    Pediatric dentistPediatric Dentistry
    		Dental care for babies, children and teens24 months (2 years)1947Find (AAPD) (opens in a new tab)
    PeriodontistPeriodontics
    		Gum disease, gum surgery and implants3 academic years (30 months of instruction)1947Find (AAP) (opens in a new tab)
    ProsthodontistProsthodontics
    		Crowns, bridges, dentures and implant teeth34 months (about 3 years)1947Find (ACP) (opens in a new tab)

    Training: the minimum program length in each specialty's CODA accreditation standards, after 4 years of dental school (ADA). Recognized: the year in the National Commission's history; the ADA's history page gives 1 to 3 years later for six specialties (for example, 1950 for orthodontics and 2001 for radiology). Titles such as "implant dentist", "cosmetic dentist" or "TMJ dentist" are not on the list.

    How many dental specialties does the ADA recognize?

    Twelve. Since 2018, a commission set up by the American Dental Association (ADA), the National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards, decides which areas of dentistry count as specialties. Its current list:

    • Dental anesthesiology: sedation and general anesthesia for dental care
    • Dental public health: dental health programs for whole communities
    • Endodontics: root canals and the inside of the tooth
    • Oral and maxillofacial pathology: diagnosing mouth and jaw diseases, including biopsies
    • Oral and maxillofacial radiology: reading scans and other images of the mouth and jaws
    • Oral and maxillofacial surgery: surgery of the mouth, jaws and face
    • Oral medicine: mouth diseases, and care for people with complex medical conditions
    • Orofacial pain: pain of the jaw, face, head and neck, including TMJ disorders
    • Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics: braces, aligners and bite problems
    • Pediatric dentistry: babies, children and teens
    • Periodontics: gums, the bone around teeth, and implants
    • Prosthodontics: crowns, bridges, dentures and implant teeth

    Why do older articles say the ADA recognizes nine?

    Because it did, for about 20 years. Radiology became the ninth specialty around 2000 (the commission's history says 1999; the ADA's history page says 2001). Dental anesthesiology became the tenth in 2019, and oral medicine and orofacial pain followed in 2020. Lists of nine specialties date from before those changes.

    Titles such as "implant dentist", "cosmetic dentist" or "TMJ dentist" aren't on the list. Ask any dentist what training they have.

    What kind of dentist does root canals, implants, TMJ and gum surgery?

    Root canals

    An endodontist is the root canal specialist. General dentists do root canals too. In a 2026 survey commissioned by the endodontists' association, with support from a dental technology company, 53% of root canal cases were referred to endodontists, up from 43% in 2012. No sample size was given. Your dentist may do yours or send you to an endodontist.

    Dental implants

    Implants are a procedure, not a specialty. Periodontists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons and prosthodontists all do implant work, and so do general dentists who have trained in it. The prosthodontists' college advises asking any dentist how often they place implants and what training they have.

    Gum surgery

    A periodontist treats gum disease and does gum surgery, such as gum grafts and gum pocket procedures. Some general dentists treat milder gum disease and refer harder cases.

    TMJ and long-lasting face pain

    An orofacial pain specialist focuses on pain in the jaw, face, head and neck, including jaw joint and muscle problems (TMD). Oral medicine specialists also see jaw joint problems. Start with your dentist or doctor. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) says to start with simple treatments, notes that TMD often gets better on its own, and suggests a second opinion from an orofacial pain specialist if you can.

    Wisdom teeth

    A general dentist, an oral surgeon or a periodontist may pull a tooth. Impacted wisdom teeth (teeth that haven't come through the gum) are most often removed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. For what happens after, see our wisdom teeth recovery tracker.

    General dentist or specialist?

    Most of the 164,000 practicing US dentists are general dentists. About 20% are specialists, according to the ADA. Every specialist is a dentist first. After 4 years of dental school, they finish an accredited specialty program. The ADA says that takes two or more years, while the accreditation minimums run from 12 months (dental public health, for dentists who already have a public health master's degree) to 4 years (oral surgery). The table above shows each one.

    Your general dentist does checkups, cleanings and fillings, and many also do root canals, extractions, crowns, dentures and children's care. Dentists vary in what they do and what they refer. They should send you to a specialist when the work is beyond what they usually do.

    A specialist makes sense when:

    • your dentist suggests one, or the case is complex (a hard root canal, advanced gum disease, many missing teeth)
    • you need care only a specialist is trained for, such as deep sedation or general anesthesia, which needs extra accredited training
    • a problem hasn't been explained, such as a sore that hasn't healed or face pain that won't go away

    Do I need a referral to see a dental specialist?

    It depends on your plan:

    Plan typeReferral to a specialist
    Dental HMO (DHMO)Yes. Your primary care dentist coordinates your care and refers you.
    PPONo referral needed, according to the ADA. There's an advantage to choosing one in the plan's network.
    Traditional (indemnity)You can see any dentist who accepts the plan. Check your plan papers.
    Discount planChoose from the plan's list of participating providers.
    Medicaid or CHIPMedicaid and CHIP must cover children's dental care. Adult benefits vary by state, so ask your plan.

    Some specialists take patients directly. The orthodontists' association says you don't need to wait for a dentist's referral. Others, like oral medicine specialists, usually see people sent by a dentist or doctor. Ask the office when you call. Our dental insurance calculator shows what your plan pays and what you pay.

    How this tool works

    1. Your picks. Each problem is matched to the specialties whose official scope covers it, using the National Commission's definitions. For implants, sedation and special health care needs, several specialties fit equally.
    2. Training. We show the minimum program length in each specialty's accreditation standards from the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Where the specialty's own group gives a range, we show that too.
    3. General dentists. Whether general dentists often do the same work comes from the ADA, the specialty groups, MedlinePlus and the NIH.
    4. Referrals. Your plan type sets the referral note, based on the ADA's guide to dental plans and Medicaid.gov.
    5. Find one. Each card links to that specialty group's "find a specialist" directory. We found no public directory for two specialties, oral pathology and dental public health.

    Limits: This tool is for education. It can't examine you, check a dentist's license or credentials, or read your plan's rules, which vary. The directories come from each specialty group, so they may not list every specialist. Your answers stay in your browser; the share link holds only your picks.

    Frequently asked questions

    How many dental specialties does the ADA recognize?
    Twelve. The ADA's National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards recognizes dental anesthesiology, dental public health, endodontics, oral and maxillofacial pathology, oral and maxillofacial radiology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral medicine, orofacial pain, orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics and prosthodontics.
    Why do some sources say the ADA recognizes nine dental specialties?
    Because there were nine for about 20 years, from when oral and maxillofacial radiology was added (1999 or 2001, depending on the source) until 2019. Dental anesthesiology was added in 2019, and oral medicine and orofacial pain in 2020.
    What kind of dentist does root canals?
    An endodontist is the root canal specialist, but general dentists do root canals too. In a 2026 survey commissioned by the endodontists' association, with support from a dental technology company, 53% of root canal cases were referred to endodontists, up from 43% in 2012. No sample size was given.
    What kind of dentist does dental implants?
    Placing implants is a procedure, not a specialty. Periodontists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons and prosthodontists all do implant work, and so do general dentists trained in it. Ask any dentist how often they do implants and what training they have.
    What kind of dentist treats TMJ problems?
    An orofacial pain specialist, a specialty recognized in 2020; oral medicine specialists also treat jaw joint problems. Start with your dentist or doctor. The NIH recommends starting with simple treatments, and TMD often gets better on its own.
    Do I need a referral to see a dental specialist?
    It depends on your plan. With a dental HMO, your primary care dentist refers you. With a PPO, you don't need a referral, according to the ADA. The orthodontists' association says you don't have to wait for a dentist's referral to see an orthodontist. Check with your plan and the office before you book.

    Sources

    1. National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards (American Dental Association). Recognized Dental Specialties. © 2026. Specialty definitions and the 12 recognized specialty sponsoring organizations. Accessed October 26, 2026.
    2. National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards. History of Dental Specialty Recognition. August 2023. Recognition years from the summary chart (slide 11). Accessed October 26, 2026.
    3. American Dental Association. History of the ADA. Gives recognition years 1–3 years later than the National Commission chart for six specialties. Accessed October 26, 2026.
    4. Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Accreditation Standards for Advanced Dental Education Programs (one document per specialty). copyright 2025. Minimum program length: endodontics 4-1; periodontics (program duration); orthodontics 4-1; oral and maxillofacial surgery 4-1 and 4-9; pediatric dentistry 4-3; prosthodontics 4-1 and 4-2; oral and maxillofacial pathology; oral and maxillofacial radiology 4-1; dental public health 4-1; dental anesthesiology 2-17; oral medicine 2-3; orofacial pain 2-19. Accessed October 26, 2026.
    5. American Dental Association (MouthHealthy). Steps to Becoming a Dentist. Accessed October 26, 2026.
    6. American Dental Association (MouthHealthy). Types of Dental Plans. Accessed October 26, 2026.
    7. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (Medicaid.gov). Dental Care. Accessed October 26, 2026.
    8. American Dental Association (MouthHealthy). Endodontics. Accessed October 26, 2026.
    9. American Dental Association (MouthHealthy). Root Canals. Accessed October 26, 2026.
    10. American Association of Endodontists. What's the difference between a dentist and an endodontist?. Accessed October 26, 2026.
    11. American Association of Endodontists (AAE Newsroom). More Dentists Are Referring to Endodontists, New AAE Survey Finds. May 4, 2026. Survey of endodontists and general dentists, commissioned by the AAE and supported by Sonendo (a dental technology company); sample size not stated. Accessed October 26, 2026.
    12. American Dental Association (MouthHealthy). Periodontics. Accessed October 26, 2026.
    13. American Academy of Periodontology. What is a Periodontist?. Accessed October 26, 2026.
    14. American Academy of Periodontology. Surgical Procedures. Accessed October 26, 2026.
    15. American Association of Orthodontists. Orthodontist vs. Dentist: What's the Difference?. Accessed October 26, 2026.
    16. American Dental Association (MouthHealthy). Orthodontics - Braces. Accessed October 26, 2026.
    17. MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine. Tooth extraction (Medical Encyclopedia). reviewed October 14, 2024. Accessed October 26, 2026.
    18. MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine. Impacted tooth (Medical Encyclopedia). reviewed February 5, 2026. Accessed October 26, 2026.
    19. American Dental Association (MouthHealthy). Pediatric Dentistry. Accessed October 26, 2026.
    20. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). Accessed October 26, 2026.
    21. American College of Prosthodontists. Why See a Prosthodontist?. Accessed October 26, 2026.
    22. American College of Prosthodontists (position statement). Dental Implants. 2014, revisions affirmed June 13, 2015. Accessed October 26, 2026.
    23. American Dental Association. Policy Statement: The Use of Sedation and General Anesthesia by Dentists. adopted 2007. Accessed October 26, 2026.
    24. American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists. Patients We Help. Accessed October 26, 2026.
    25. American Academy of Oral Medicine. Patient Resources. Accessed October 26, 2026.
    26. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIH). Dry Mouth. last reviewed October 2024. Accessed October 26, 2026.
    27. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIH). Oral Cancer. last reviewed November 2024. Accessed October 26, 2026.
    28. American Academy of Orofacial Pain. What is an Orofacial Pain Specialist?. Accessed October 26, 2026.
    29. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIH). TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders). last reviewed September 2026. Accessed October 26, 2026.
    30. American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology. Resources for Dentists. Accessed October 26, 2026.
    31. American Dental Association (MouthHealthy). X-rays. Accessed October 26, 2026.

    Last reviewed by the Dental Health Time editorial team, against the sources above. How we review.

    Implant TimelineYour dates → every implant step, dated How Long Dental Work LastsHow long crowns, fillings and implants last Insurance CalculatorPlan pays vs. you pay, item by item Emergency CheckerER, dentist today, or home care?