Dentistry is concerned with disorders of the teeth, mouth and jaw.

The dental surgeon, or dentist, knows about the various ways of repairing diseased teeth or replacing missing ones. He knows which materials need to be used to do this and what their effect is on the human body. He also corrects misaligned teeth and jaws. He counsels his patients on how to look after their teeth and gums so as to avoid caries and conditions such as inflammations of the gum.

Surgically, the dentist often works alongside oral and maxillofacial surgeons, especially when it comes to correcting a deformity or the consequences of an accident involving the mouth and teeth. The dentist can undertake further training to become an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.