In 1999, an attempt to create two other specialties, dental anesthesiology and oral medicine, did not pass in the House of Delegates for the Council on Dental Education. Perhaps, this will change in the future. While these dentists may have additional training in this area and may be quite competent in diagnosing and treating craniomandibular disorders, this is not recognized as a dental specialty in the United States as of 1999. Technically, cosmetic dentistry is not an official dental specialty either. Dentists may choose other career paths.
Some dentists attend law school and practice dental malpractice defense or prosecution.
Forensic dentistry is not an official specialty, but it has been very helpful in personal identification and justice. Other dentists may choose to become dental practice management consultants. This path emphasizes the business side of dentistry and often eliminates exposure to clinical dental work. In my work as a clinical instructor at the University of Pacific Dental School, I have found that teaching dentistry can be rewarding too. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or hands-on treatment.