General dentistry

Dentistry, the profession concerned with the prevention and treatment of oral diseases, including diseases of the teeth and supporting structures and diseases of the soft tissues of the mouth. Dentistry also includes the treatment and correction of malformations of the jaws, misalignment of teeth, and congenital abnormalities of the oral cavity, such as cleft palate. In addition to general practice, dentistry encompasses many specialties and subspecialties, including dental orthodontics and orthopedics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, prosthetics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral and maxillofacial pathology, endodontics, public health dentistry, and oral and maxillofacial radiology.