They also perform corrective surgery of the gums and supporting bones to treat gum diseases. Prosthodontists attempt to restore the natural teeth or replace the missing teeth and adjoining tissues with artificial substitutes, such as bridges and dentures. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons operate upon diseases, injuries or deficiencies of the human jaws. Oral pathologists study the cause, development and effects of oral diseases using clinical, microscopic, radiographic or other laboratory procedures. They may treat disease directly or provide guidance.
Oral radiologists make and interpret radiographs of the head and neck area.
Pediatric dentists specialize in preventive and therapeutic care for children. Public health dentists promote public education and the prevention, control and treatment of dental diseases for communities. Oral medicine is a brand new dental specialty. It is a non-surgical specialty that includes the evaluation, diagnosis, therapeutic management and research into medically related oral diseases. To practise dentistry in B.C. applicants must complete an accredited general practitioners Dentistry degree, be registered and licensed with the College of Dental Surgeons of B.C. and satisfactorily complete the National Dental Examination Board of Canada examination.