Dental specialties are formally recognized branches of dentistry that require advanced education and training. In Canada, provincial regulatory authorities issue specialty certificates based on national standards.
The Canadian Dental Regulatory Authorities Federation (CDRAF) oversees the recognition of dental specialties at the national level. CDRAF requires:
Graduation from a specialty program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC)
Successful completion of the certification examinations from the Royal College of Dentists of Canada As of March 2024, CDRAF has recognized 10 specialties:
Dental Anaesthesia
Dental Public Health
Endodontics
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Oral Medicine and Pathology
Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
Pediatric Dentistry
Periodontics
Prosthodontics
Formal definition pending.
Recognized by CDRAF in 2023, dental anaesthesia involves advanced techniques to manage pain and anxiety during dental procedures. Dental Public Health
Focused on the diagnosis, prevention and control of dental diseases at the community level. This specialty promotes oral health through organized programs in education, research and public outreach. Endodontics
Concerns the study and treatment of the dental pulp and tissues surrounding the roots of teeth. Endodontists manage conditions like pulp disease and perform root canal therapy..
Involves the diagnosis and surgical treatment of disorders, diseases, injuries and defects in the mouth, jaws, and facial structures. These treatments can address functional and aesthetic concerns.Oral Medicine and Pathology
Focuses on the diagnosis and non-surgical management of oral, maxillofacial and temporomandibular diseases and disorders, especially in medically-complex patients. Oral medicine and oral pathology are two components of this specialty.
Specializes in the prescription, production and interpretation of diagnostic images used in identifying diseases and disorders of the craniofacial region.
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
Deals with the correction of misaligned teeth and jaws in both growing and mature patients. Treatments include braces, aligners, and orthopedic appliances.
Provides comprehensive oral health care for infants, children, and adolescents, including those with special health care needs.
Focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease and conditions affecting the structures that support the teeth, including implants.
Specializes in restoring and replacing natural teeth to improve oral function, comfort, and aesthetics using prosthetic devices like crowns, bridges, and dentures.
