Editing Dentistry

{{Infobox profession
| name           = Dentistry
| image          = [File:Dental_Stomatology_Symbol.svg]
| caption        = The staff of [[Asclepius]] and a Δ (delta) for dentistry and Ο (omicron) for odont (tooth).
| synonyms       = Dental and Oral Medicine, Stomatology
| competence     = [[Oral health]], [[Maxillofacial]] surgery, [[Periodontology]]
| formation      = [[Doctor of Dental Surgery]] (DDS), [[Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry]] (DMD)
}}

==Definition==
'''Dentistry''', also known as '''Dental and Oral Medicine''', is the branch of [[medicine]] focused on the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders, and conditions of the [[oral cavity]], particularly the [[teeth]], [[oral mucosa]], and adjacent structures such as the [[maxilla]], [[mandible]], and [[salivary glands]].

While primarily associated with teeth among the general public, the field of dentistry or [[stomatology]] encompasses the entire craniofacial complex, including the [[temporomandibular joint]] (TMJ) and supporting muscular and nervous structures.

==History==
Evidence of dental surgery dates back to the [[Indus Valley Civilization]] (c. 7000 BC). Modern dentistry began to take shape in the 18th century, notably with the work of '''[[Pierre Fauchard]]''', known as the "Father of Modern Dentistry," who published ''Le Chirurgien Dentiste'' in 1728.

==Professional Education==
To practice dentistry, a practitioner must typically earn a professional degree:
* '''[[Doctor of Dental Surgery]] (DDS)'''
* '''[[Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry]] (DMD)'''
* '''[[Bachelor of Dental Surgery]] (BDS)''' (Common in Commonwealth nations)

Continuing Dental Education (CDE) is mandatory in most jurisdictions to maintain licensure and keep pace with technological advancements like '''[[Digital Dentistry]]'''.

==Specialties==
Most countries recognize several formal dental specialties that require additional residency training (usually 2–6 years):
* '''[[Dental Public Health]]''': Improving oral health on a population level.
* '''[[Endodontics]]''': Diagnosis and treatment of the [[dental pulp]] and periapical tissues.
* '''[[Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology]]''': The study of oral diseases (See [[Category:Oral Pathology]]).
* '''[[Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology]]''': Interpretation of [[X-ray]], [[CT]], and [[MRI]] data.
* '''[[Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery]]''': Surgical treatment of injuries and defects.
* '''[[Orthodontics]] and Dentofacial Orthopedics''': Alignment of teeth and jaws.
* '''[[Pediatric Dentistry]]''': Dental care for children and adolescents.
* '''[[Periodontology]]''': Treatment of the supporting structures of teeth (See [[Category:Periodontology]]).
* '''[[Prosthodontics]]''': Restoration of missing teeth with [[dentures]], [[bridges]], or [[implants]].

==Clinical Procedures==
Modern dental practice utilizes a variety of interventions:
* '''[[Preventive Dentistry]]''': [[Scaling and root planing]], [[fluoride therapy]], and patient education.
* '''[[Restorative Dentistry]]''': Fillings (see [[Dental composite resin]]), [[crowns]], and inlays.
* '''[[Endodontic Therapy]]''': Commonly known as a [[root canal]].
* '''[[Oral Surgery]]''': Tooth extractions and [[Guided Bone Regeneration]].

==See Also==
* [[Index of dental articles]]
* [[Dental instrument]]
* [[Tele-dentistry]]
* [[World Dental Federation]] (FDI)

[[Category:Dentistry| ]]
[[Category:Medical specialties]]
[[Category:Health sciences]]