List of recognised specialties

Dental specialties in Singapore

A speciality is an area of dentistry that has been formally recognized by the Ministry of Health and Singapore Dental Council as meeting the specified requirements for recognition of Dental Specialists.

Currently there are 8 recognised dental specialties in Singapore. More specialties will be considered and added to the list of specialties as the demands and relevance of the dental profession progresses and develops.

1. Endodontics

Endodontics is the branch of dentistry which is concerned with the morphology, physiology and pathology of the human dental pulp and periradicular tissues. Its study and practice encompass the basic and clinical sciences including biology of the normal pulp, the etiology, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases and injuries of the pulp and associated periradicular conditions.

2. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Oral and maxillofacial surgery is the specialty of dentistry which includes the diagnosis, surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries and defects involving both the functional and esthetic aspects of the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region.

3. Orthodontics

Orthodontics is the dental specialty that includes the diagnosis, prevention, interception, and correction of malocclusion, as well as neuromuscular and skeletal abnormalities of the developing or mature orofacial structures.

4. Paediatric Dentistry

Pediatric Dentistry is an age-defined specialty that provides both primary and comprehensive preventive and therapeutic oral health care for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health care needs.

5. Periodontics

Periodontics is that specialty of dentistry which encompasses the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth or their substitutes and the maintenance of the health, function and esthetics of these structures and tissues.

6. Prosthodontics

Prosthodontics is the dental specialty pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues using biocompatible substitutes.

7. Dental Public Health

Dental public health is the science and art of preventing and controlling dental diseases and promoting dental health through organized community efforts. It is that form of dental practice which serves the community as a patient rather than the individual. It is concerned with the dental health education of the public, with applied dental research, and with the administration of group dental care programs as well as the prevention and control of dental diseases on a community basis.

8. Special Care Dentistry

RECOGNITION OF SPECIAL CARE DENTISTRY AS A DENTAL SPECIALTY

Special Care Dentistry (SCD) has been included in the list of recognised Dental Specialities with effect from 1 July 2025.  The SCD discipline encompasses oral healthcare services for people with physical, medical, developmental, or cognitive conditions which limit their ability to receive routine dental care. Registered dental professionals may apply for specialist accreditation in SCD under the Grandfathering/ Direct Entry route. Please note that dentist may register as a specialist in 1 specialty only with the Singapore Dental Council.

Access the circular on Special Care Dentistry's recognition as a dental specialty [PDF, 82 KB].

For queries, please email to dsab@spb.gov.sg.