If your general dentist identifies a problem with your oral health they will assess if they are able to treat you, or if it is outside of their scope. If it is outside of their scope they will refer you to the appropriate dental specialist. Click here for information on specialist dentist qualification and registration requirements.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons:

Diagnose and treat diseases, injuries and defects of the mouth, face and jaw. They can perform surgery ranging from extraction of wisdom teeth to facial reconstruction.

Endodontists:

Specialise in treatments involving diseased or injured tooth pulp and tissues surrounding the root of a tooth. Root canal treatment is the most common procedure done by endodontists, in addition to endodontic retreatment, treating cracked teeth and dental trauma.

Oral Pathologists:

Studys the causes, development and effects of diseases associated with the mouth. Oral pathologists will study tissue samples from a patient’s mouth to diagnose oral diseases such as tumours and refer patients to appropriate medical or dental specialists.

Orthodontists:

Diagnose and correct malocclusions (bad bites) that may cause crooked teeth and/or disproportionate jaw growth. Orthodontists often fit braces to improve the appearance of a person’s teeth and correct malocclusions. Orthodontists may use other corrective devices to fix jaw and facial abnormalities.

Paediatric Dentists:

Specialise in the oral healthcare of babies, children and adolescents. They manage dental problems related to medical, behavioural, physical or developmental disabilities.

Periodontists:

Specialise in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontal disease occurs when bacteria in plaque induce a chronic localised inflammatory response, that can break down bone and gum tissue and can lead to tooth loss. Periodontists work with dental hygienists to prevent damage and can provide periodontal surgery and dental implants.

Prosthodontists:

Provide complex reconstructive dentistry such as tooth replacement and reconstruction of badly broken teeth. Techniques they perform include dental implants, crowns and bridges, dentures and veneers. Oral Medicine Specialists: Diagnose and provide non-surgical management of oral healthcare for patients with medically related disorders of the mouth, teeth and jaw. For example, management of oral mucositis in patients receiving oral radiation therapy, or patients with autoimmune diseases of the mouth.

Oral Medicine Specialists:

Specialise in the diagnosis and non-surgical management of chronic and medically-related disorders of the oral and maxillofacial region e.g. oral mucosal disease, salivary gland disease, oral and facial sensation disorders and connective tissue pathology.