Becoming a certified specialist dentist requires a significant amount of time and dedication. After completing dental school, which typically takes six to eight years, you must complete a residency program in order to specialize. Most residencies last two to three years, while oral and maxillofacial surgery requires four to six years. If you don't want to specialize, you can reduce the amount of time spent in school by enrolling in a blended study program. Once you become a dentist, you can choose to set up your own practice and work with other dentists or specialist dentists.
For example, pediatric dentists offer more specific services to children than general dentists who are “child-friendly”.
