Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences

Inside the major

Programs within this field

Colleges may offer this field under 15 more specific program names. The program you choose affects the courses you take.

Dental Clinical Sciences, General: Prepares dentists in one or more of the oral sciences and advanced/graduate dentistry specialties.
Advanced General Dentistry: Focuses on the advanced study of dental clinical techniques and dental practice issues. Covers subjects such as the history of dentistry, advanced dental practice management, dental ethics and jurisprudence, social and behavioral science studies of dentistry, advanced restorative dentistry, oral medicine, oral radiology, advanced clinical procedures and technology, and others.
Oral Biology and Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology: Focuses on the scientific study of the growth, development, diseases, healing properties, and neurological components of the oral cavity, related tissues and organs, and associated craniofacial areas. Covers oral microbiology microanatomy, craniofacial pain, humoral aspects of disease, etiology and histology of caries, plaque ecology, wound healing, oral disease epidemiology, oral manifestations of systemic disease, lesions, normal and pathologic physiology, and related molecular and physical studies.
Dental Public Health and Education: Focuses on the scientific study of dental disease prevention and control, community dental health promotion, and prepares dentists and public health professionals to function as dental health specialists. Covers preventive dentistry, the relationship of oral disease to health and quality of life, patient and practitioner behavior, dental epidemiology, nutrition and dental health, dental care policy and delivery, oral health program planning and administration, biostatistics, and research methods.
Dental Materials: Focuses on the scientific study of the biomaterials and inert and active compounds used in dental procedures; the development of dental materials; and their effects on the living tissues of the oral cavity and systemic bodily health. Covers materials science, dental bioengineering, biocompatibility of materials, physics and mechanics of dental materials, elastic and plastic deformation, surface bonding, and applications to fixed and removable prostheses and restorative procedures.
Endodontics/Endodontology: Focuses on the advanced study of the morphology, physiology, and pathology of human dental pulp and periradicular tissues, and prepares dentists to diagnose and treat internal diseases and injuries of teeth. Covers theory and practice of endodontics; pulpal disease; relationship of endodontic conditions to other dental/oral health issues; endodontic operative technique; and patient care and management.
Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery: Focuses on the advanced study of the diagnosis and intrusive and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects of the oral and maxillofacial regions, including functional and aesthetic aspects. Covers pharmacology, analgesia, anesthesia, anxiety control, surgical procedures and techniques, surgical instrumentation, exodontia, oral diseases and malfunctions, soft and hard tissue pathology, dentoalveolar surgery, infection management, and prosthetic implantation.
Orthodontics/Orthodontology: Focuses on the advanced study of the guidance of growing dental structures and the correction of misalignments, disproportionate growth, and traumas caused by genetics, disease, injuries, and dysfunctional behaviors. Covers craniofacial growth and development, malocclusion, design and fabrication of orthodontic appliances, craniofacial alignment, physiological function and analysis, cephalometrics, model analysis, space analysis, surgical orthodontics, cleft lip and palate, and treatment planning and management.
Pediatric Dentistry/Pedodontics: Focuses on the advanced study of the therapeutic and preventive care of the oral health of children from birth through adolescence, and the care of adults with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. Covers developmental oral biology, preventive medicine, diet therapy and counseling, patient management, pediatric restorative procedures, pulp therapy, trauma management, anesthesia, treatment planning, and the treatment of handicapped patients.
Periodontics/Periodontology: Focuses on the advanced study of the etiology and treatment of diseases of the gingivae (gum tissue) and supporting bone, nerve, and vascular structures. Covers periodontium pathology, diagnostic procedures and equipment, occulsion, nutritional aspects of periodontology, surgical treatments, and patient care and management.

Where it can lead

Careers this field can lead to

Explore related careers, starting with the closest connections and the occupations hiring the most people.

Growing fast

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Median pay: $107,310
Hiring change through 2035: 17.9%
Job openings a year: 24,900

To get hiredDoctoral or professional degree

Explore this career Growing slowly

Dentists, All Other Specialists

Median pay: $224,990
Hiring change through 2035: 1.3%
Job openings a year: 100

To get hiredDoctoral or professional degree

Explore this career Growing

Dentists, General

Median pay: $170,950
Hiring change through 2035: 5.7%
Job openings a year: 4,200

To get hiredDoctoral or professional degree

Explore this career Growing

Health Education Specialists

Median pay: $64,070
Hiring change through 2035: 5.6%
Job openings a year: 6,900

To get hiredBachelor's degree

Explore this career Growing

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Median pay: $352,220
Hiring change through 2035: 5.6%
Job openings a year: 200

To get hiredDoctoral or professional degree

Explore this career Growing

Orthodontists

Median pay: $289,140
Hiring change through 2035: 6.0%
Job openings a year: 200

To get hiredDoctoral or professional degree

Explore this career Growing

Prosthodontists

Median pay: $311,180
Hiring change through 2035: 5.8%
Job openings a year: 0

To get hiredDoctoral or professional degree

Explore this career

All work is projected to grow 3.5% between 2025 and 2035; read every hiring-change figure against it.

Working style

How and where the work happens

Related careers can feel very different from one another. Compare the specific occupations to understand the work each one involves.

13%of related openings involve substantial in-person or active work

Few of the careers connected to this field are measured as substantially in-person or active work. Compare the specific occupations to see how much time each one involves with people, equipment, and movement.