Objective:

To explore the identity and scope of prosthodontics in relation to other dental and medical specialties, particularly orthopedics.

Approach:

• Overview of Dental Specialties: Discusses the overlap among dental specialties and the current statistics on licensed dentists in the U.S.
• Prosthodontics and Implantology: Examines the role of prosthodontists in implant therapy and the lack of official recognition for implantology as a separate specialty.
• Training and Education: Highlights the incorporation of surgical training in prosthodontics programs and the emergence of surgically trained prosthodontists.
• Comparison with Orthopedics: Draws parallels between prosthodontics and orthopedics, emphasizing similarities in scope, collaboration, and procedure overlap.

Key Findings:

• There is significant procedure overlap among dental specialties, including prosthodontics, periodontics, and oral surgery.
• Implantology is not recognized as a separate dental specialty, and placement of dental implants is considered a procedure rather than a specialty.
• Approximately 50% of prosthodontists in the U.S. are trained in implant surgery, reflecting a shift in training standards.
• The number of surgery-related publications in prosthodontics has significantly increased, indicating a growing emphasis on surgical techniques.

Limitations:

• The article does not provide empirical data to support the proposed identity shift for prosthodontists.
• The comparison with orthopedics may not fully encapsulate the unique aspects of prosthodontics.

Sources:

• American College of Prosthodontists
• American Dental Association