Usually they have a bachelor's degree and a degree in dentistry from a four-year dental school. Dental specialists have even more training. A dentist who specializes in treating degenerative and inflammatory diseases of the supporting structures of the teeth and jawbone. Periodontists treat gum diseases and do procedures such as scaling, curettage, root planing and gingivectomy, a procedure in which gum tissue is removed to treat disease. A dentist who specializes in preventing and treating crowded, crooked and irregularly spaced teeth and in jaw positioning and alignment.
Orthodontists apply braces.
Endodontists do root canals, a procedure in which the nerve or pulp tissue inside the tooth is removed and replaced with an inert material. A person who builds artificial appliances such as bridges and crowns to replace missing teeth or other parts of the oral cavity and face. A surgeon who specializes in operations on the teeth, jaws and other part of the mouth and face. They typically have a degree in general dentistry plus four years of additional training. Some also have medical degrees.