Just as the medical field has specialists and primary care physicians, so too does dentistry.
Most people receive all of their dental treatment from a general dentist.
A general dentist may perform any type of dental services, but may refer patients to a specialist for more complex procedures. If you have children, you may decide to have them receive all of their dental care from a pedodontist or a pediatric dentist who specializes in treating children. To be a specialist, a dentist must have additional training. When you or your children need a root canal, you would go to an endodontist. When you or your children need complex extractions and surgery related to your mouth and jaw, you would go to an oral surgeon.