Prosthodontists

A prosthodontist is a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation, and maintenance of oral function and aesthetics for patients with missing or defective teeth and surrounding tissues. The field encompasses fixed and removable prostheses, implants, and maxillofacial prosthetics, as well as complex rehabilitations such as full-mouth reconstructions and cosmetic dentistry when it involves dental prostheses.

Education and training: after earning a dental degree, a prosthodontist completes an accredited postgraduate residency in prosthodontics, typically three years. Training covers occlusion, esthetic dentistry, restorative materials, dental implants, and maxillofacial prosthetics, with emphasis on treatment planning and interdisciplinary care. In many countries, board certification is optional; in the United States, the American Board of Prosthodontics offers certification, and professional societies such as the American College of Prosthodontists promote standards.

Treatments and applications: prosthodontists fabricate crowns, bridges, dentures, partial dentures, veneers, and implant-supported restorations. They perform full-mouth rehabilitation and occlusal rehabilitation to restore function and appearance. They may prepare patients for implant placement, plan the integration of implants with prostheses, and design aesthetic and functional restorations. Maxillofacial prosthetics, when indicated, include prostheses for facial defects following trauma or cancer surgery.

Practice settings: prosthodontists work in private practice, hospitals, academic centers, and clinics. They collaborate with other dental and medical professionals to optimize outcomes for patients with complex needs. The field has benefited from digital technologies such as CAD/CAM dental restorations, digital impressions, and 3D printing, which can improve precision and efficiency.