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Dentistry
The science concerned with the origin, development, structure and function of the teeth, jaws, and mouth, as well as the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases in these areas. Someone who has the skills and a state license to practice dentistry is known as a dentist. As part of their responsibilities, dentists repair and restore teeth, replace missing teeth, fix deformities and injuries of the teeth, and detect signs of diseases that may need treatment by a physician. Dentists also create and insert false teeth.

There are eight recognized areas specializing in dentistry, in addition to general dentistry practice. Each specialty requires additional training in that area after graduation from dental college. The specialty areas are: 1) endodontics [the study of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases inside the teeth]; 2) oral pathology [the study of diseases of the tissues, teeth, jaws, and saliva producing areas known as glands]; 3) maxofacial surgery [surgery of the jaws and face); 4) orthodontics [preventing and correcting irregularities of the teeth]; 5) pediatric dentistry [dentistry with children]; 6) periodontics [study of the tissues around the teeth and the treatment of abnormalities in these tissues]; 7) prosthodontics [the science of making fake teeth and parts of the jaw]; and 8) public health dentistry [study of the oral health of the public]. Dentistry is also known as odontology and odontonosology. Dentistry comes from the Latin word "dens" meaning "tooth."