Studies & Degrees in

During the medieval and Victorian period, dentistry only meant tooth extraction and, like surgery, was performed only by barbers. As the years passed, both society and the standards of education improved and many dental schools became part of universities. As more knowledge and understanding were gained through continuous research and practice, the scope of Dentistry widened producing many specializations, one of which is Dental Prosthesis or the fabrication of artificial replacement for one or more missing teeth and the restoration of a damaged part of a tooth. This gave way to more advances in dentistry both in methodology as well as equipments. In fact, in 1851 and 1871, the vulcanite denture bases and silicate cements, both materials in fabricating dental prosthesis, were developed respectively. The development of Dental Prosthesis became the key in the developments achieved in the field of dentistry. These include the understanding of oral function and dysfunction; the introduction of new materials like porcelain, vulcanite, and silicate cements; the improvement of techniques in replacing missing teeth or restoring damaged ones; the development of new technologies in tooth preparation and diagnosis; the development of prosthesis fabrication; and the improvement of partnership between a technician and a clinician. The advances in research and technology also played a huge part in the evolution of dental prosthetic.

Prosthodontists, specialists in Dental Prosthesis, became more accurate in diagnosing oral dysfunctions and prescribing necessary treatment because of the knowledge on oral diseases. The fabrication of dental prosthetics also became easier with the new technologies available today. Even the function of dental prosthetics evolved as it became popular for its cosmetic purposes.

Dental Prosthesis belongs to the nine dental specialties recognized by prestigious dental organizations: the American Dental Association, Royal College of Dentists of Canada, and Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons. These organizations maintain the standards of the field thus requires aspiring prosthodontists to have first obtain a Doctor of Dental Surgery or a Doctor of Dental Medicine before undergoing a 3 year specialty postgraduate training on Dental Prosthesis. This training includes various courses in basic sciences, esthetics, head and neck anatomy, biomaterial and biomedical sciences, function of occlusion with emphasis on gnathology, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), and planning and reconstruction of a full mouth treatment. Students will also take courses in clinical photography, research methodology, and the preparation and fabrication of dental prostheses such as temporary resin crown, partial resin dentures, partial casting dentures, resin complete dentures, ceramic dentures, oral facial artificial organs, and orthodontic appliances. Review of current and related literature is also required to help students develop both theoretical and practical skills in prosthodontics. Most universities encourage students to attend conferences such as oral and maxillofacial surgery conference and the perio/endo/ortho/prostho graduate diagnostic conference, both of which will be helpful in adding practical knowledge on dental prosthesis.

Prosthodontic training is rigorous but, once finished, can be very rewarding. Career opportunities for professional prosthodontists are abundant and specialist can choose a career in teaching, patient care, research and administration, or, the more popular cosmetic dentistry.