What are the different Fields of Dentistry?

Hi Ann, I f
Definition of Dentistry

Dentistry is defined as the evaluation, diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment (nonsurgical, surgical or related procedures) of diseases, disorders and/or conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and/or the adjacent and associated structures and their impact on the human body; provided by a dentist, within the scope of his/her education, training and experience, in accordance with the ethics of the profession and applicable law. (As adopted by the 1997 ADA House of Delegates)

As a dentist, you can choose a variety of career paths including:

Private Practice (having your own office)

Academics (teaching at a dental institution)

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Hospital Care

Public Health
The following are recognized dental specialties Approved by the Council on Dental Education and Licensure, American Dental Association:

Dental Public Health: Dental public health is the science and art of preventing and controlling dental diseases and promoting dental health through organized community efforts. It is that form of dental practice which serves the community as a patient rather than the individual. It is concerned with the dental health education of the public, with applied dental research, and with the administration of group dental care programs as well as the prevention and control of dental diseases on a community basis. (Adopted May 1976)

Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology: Oral pathology is the specialty of dentistry and discipline of pathology that deals with the nature, identification, and management of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions. It is a science that investigates the causes, processes, and effects of these diseases. The practice of oral pathology includes research and diagnosis of diseases using clinical, radiographic, microscopic, biochemical, or other examinations. (Adopted May 1991)

Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology: Oral and maxillofacial radiology is the specialty of dentistry and discipline of radiology concerned with the production and interpretation of images and data produced by all modalities of radiant energy that are used for the diagnosis and management of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral and maxillofacial region. (Adopted April 2001)

For More Details on other Dental Specialties, See Below:
Earnings
Dentist's earnings vary according to location, type of practice, and the individual's number of years in practice. Dentist's entering private practice often earn little more than the minimum needed to cover expenses during the first year or two, but their earnings rise rapidly as their practices develop. On the average, salaried dentists earn somewhat less than self-employed dentists. Dentists who specialize, such as oral surgeons and periodontists, and those who work in large urban areas generally have the highest earnings. Dentists who were employed by hospitals in early 2001 averaged $101,200 per year, with most earning between $61,700 and $126,500.

Nationally, the estimated median net income (2000) of dentists by specialty was:

SPECIALTY

MEDIAN NET INCOME

General Practitioner

$136,942

Orthodontics and Dentofacial orthopedics

$183,961

Pediatric Dentistry

$182,198

Endodontics

$199,831

Prosthodontics

$229,218

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

$183,374

Periodontics

$269,770
Endodontics

"Endo" is the Greek word for "inside" and "odont" is Greek for "tooth." Endodontic treatment is treatment of the inside of the tooth. Endodontics is that branch of dentistry which is concerned with the morphology, physiology and pathology of the human dental pulp and periradicular tissues. Its study and practice encompass the basic and clinical sciences including the biology of the normal pulp, the etiology, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases and injuries of the pulp and associated periradicular conditions. Endodontics is the study of "saving teeth"—in other words, of treating and preventing disorders of the dental pulp, or soft tissues. One of the endodontists' most frequently occurring tasks is treatment of the root canal—the removal of damaged pulp from within the root canal of a tooth. Such treatment is required when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. Inflammation and infection can occur as a result of tooth decay, tooth cracks, or repeated dental work on the same tooth. In some cases, such as calcified canal, blocked apices, or aberrant root morphology, root canal treatment may be impossible. In such cases, endodontic surgery is required instead. Surgery may also be required to remedy earlier treatments that failed to heal. In some cases, surgery can be used as a diagnostic tool; opening the tooth can allow the endodontist to find the cause of unexplained discomfort in a patient. Specialization in this field requires two to three years of study in addition to dental school, plus frequent continuing education courses to keep the endodontist up-to-date with the latest research and development in their field.
I hope this was helpful to you good luck. A dental hygenist makes great earning's too. Not nearly as much schooling at a Dentist. Go with your goals..