Odontology vs. Dentistry — What's the Difference?

Integral to criminal investigations.

Provides preventive care and procedures.

Concerned with tooth structure and pathology for identification.

Includes treatment of teeth and gum diseases.

Focuses on detailed dental analysis.

Specializations include orthodontics, cosmetic procedures.

Forensic branch studying teeth.

Uses a variety of modern medical tools.

Used in age determination.

Medical field focused on oral health.

The study of the structure, development, and abnormalities of the teeth.

Dentistry, also known as dental medicine and oral medicine, is a branch of medicine that consists of the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders, and conditions of the oral cavity, commonly in the dentition but also the oral mucosa, and of adjacent and related structures and tissues, particularly in the maxillofacial (jaw and facial) area. Although primarily associated with teeth among the general public, the field of dentistry or dental medicine is not limited to teeth but includes other aspects of the craniofacial complex including the temporomandibular joint and other supporting, muscular, lymphatic, nervous, vascular, and anatomical structures.

The study of the structure and development of teeth

The science concerned with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases of the teeth, gums, and related structures of the mouth and including the repair or replacement of defective teeth.

The branch of dentistry dealing with abnormalities of teeth

(uncountable) The field of medicine concerned with the study, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions of the teeth and oral cavity.

The science which treats of the teeth, their structure and development.

(uncountable) Operations performed on teeth and adjoining areas such as drilling, filling cavities, and placing crowns and bridges.

The branch of medicine dealing with the anatomy and development and diseases of the teeth

(countable) A dental surgery, an operation on the teeth.

(countable) A place where dental operations are performed. Not as common as "dentist's office". Compare surgery.

The art or profession of a dentist; dental surgery.

The branch of medicine dealing with the anatomy and development and diseases of the teeth

Yes, a dentist can specialize in odontology after completing dental school and additional training in forensic science.

Dentistry plays a critical role in overall health by preventing, diagnosing, and treating oral diseases, which can affect systemic health.

Specializations include orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and cosmetic dentistry.

Unique tools include dental DNA analysis and bite mark comparison kits.

Common procedures in dentistry include fillings, extractions, cleanings, and root canals.

Odontology primarily serves to provide dental analysis for forensic purposes, including identification and age estimation.

Odontologists assist by analyzing dental evidence to identify individuals or match bite marks to suspects.

While odontology is a branch of forensic science, it is closely related to medical fields through its foundational dental training.

A typical day for a dentist may involve conducting oral examinations, treating cavities, performing surgical procedures on teeth and gums, and advising patients on maintaining oral health.

Dentists implement preventive health measures, such as cleanings and educational programs, to maintain oral health and prevent disease.

Yes, odontology includes specializations such as forensic odontology and the study of dental anomalies and pathology.

A career in dentistry requires completing a dental school program, which typically includes earning a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.