Dentistry is the widely used "practical application of knowledge of dental science (the science of placement, arrangement, function of teeth and their supporting bones and soft tissues) to human beings." I'm sure you can see why in most countries, many years of training are required in university in order to become an actual dentist. A dentist is what we call a professional practitioner of dentistry. This "Dentist" has normally studied between 4-8 years at university and will normally also have a lot of practical experience with working on actual patients, often times accompanied by a more experienced dentist.There is nine different specialties that are branched out from dentistry which all require initial education after the initial dental school. These are:Dental Public Health - Which is the study of dental epidemiology and social health policiesEndodontics - Which is root canal therapyOral and Maxillofacial Pathology - Which is the study, diagnosis, and often the treatment of oral and maxillofacial related diseasesOral and Maxillofacial Radiology - Which is the study and radiologic interpretation of oral and maxillofacial diseasesOral and Maxillofacial Surgery - Which is the extractions and facial surgeryOrthodontics - Which is straightening of teethPedodontics - Which is pediatric dentistry for childrenPeriodontics - Which is treatment of gum diseaseProsthodontics - Which is the replacement of missing facial anatomy by prostheses such as dentures, bridges and implantsOften times visiting the Dentist is an un-nerving situation. Rest assured that if you are going to a qualified dentist, they have all of the training that is required to perform what it is that you require. If you are still un-easy or having a problem choosing a dentist in your area, you might want to talk those around you and find out who has had good and bad experiences and where.