Clinical terms we as dental professionals use to describe ourselves can be confusing. For any dentist to work in the United Kingdom they must be registered with the General Dental Council. There are additionally thirteen dental specialties that show official registration with the General Dental Council. For anyone to be registered as a Specialist they must have undergone rigorous postgraduate training spanning years and have passed national certified examinations.

The term 'Consultant' is one that relates to NHS hospital structures where that clinician is a Specialist but is also ultimately responsible for patients under their care. The role usually also involves leadership and teaching duties. Prior to entering Specialist training, successful applicants will usually have already undertaken some time treating complex cases and leadership projects including research. Years of full time training treating complex cases in hospital are then normally required to be appointed as a consultant.

Restorative Dentistry involves replacing missing teeth, repairing damaged teeth and extends to rehabilitation of the whole mouth, based on the three specialties of Prosthodontics (replacing and restoring teeth), Periodontics (gum treatment) and Endodontics (management of infections around roots including root canal treatment).

Specialists in Restorative Dentistry will have typically undertaken five years of full time training treating the most complex of cases in hospital alongside research and leadership tasks. They are accredited as Specialists once they have passed a rigorous United Kingdom standardised examination with the Royal College of Surgeons.

They will aim to provide the most comprehensive long-lasting treatment, utilising the most scientifically supported techniques with the aim of minimising the need for further long-term treatment.

Dentists that are interested in further information regarding the various career pathways in Restorative Dentistry can read these guidelines I produced during my time on the council for the British Society for Restorative Dentistry.