To Which Field Does Dentistry Belong?

When encountering dental issues, the simplest solution is to consult a dentist. Although dental problems may not seem major, the costs associated with them are often relatively high, providing employment opportunities for many. Dentistry is undoubtedly part of medicine, but many people are unclear about its specific major. This can lead to various challenges when pursuing a career in this field. So, what major does dentistry belong to? Let's explore this further.

Dentistry falls under the major of Oral Medicine. Students majoring in Oral Medicine primarily study the basic theories and knowledge of dentistry, receiving training in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of oral and maxillofacial diseases. They possess the basic abilities to diagnose, treat, restore, and prevent common and frequently occurring oral diseases. Graduates should acquire the following knowledge and skills:

• Master the basic theoretical knowledge and experimental skills of basic medicine and clinical medicine;
• Master the basic theoretical knowledge and medical skills of various disciplines in dentistry;
• Possess the ability to diagnose and treat common and frequently occurring oral and maxillofacial diseases, as well as the initial ability to handle emergency, difficult, and critical cases;
• Possess basic knowledge and general operational skills in dental restoration;
• Be familiar with national health work policies, regulations, and laws;
• Master the basic methods of literature retrieval and information inquiry, and possess initial abilities in dental medicine research and practical work.

Specialties within dentistry include Oral Medicine, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Prosthodontics, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, and Preventive Dentistry.

First, the Licensed Doctor Examination is an entry-level exam, similar to the need for the college entrance examination to enter university. It is divided into four categories: clinical medicine, dentistry, pharmacology, and nursing. There are two types of exams: the Licensed Doctor Qualification Examination and the Licensed Assistant Doctor Qualification Examination. The registration requirements are as follows:

Article 9: Individuals who meet one of the following conditions may participate in the Licensed Doctor Qualification Examination:

• Possessing a bachelor's degree or higher in medical science from a higher education institution and having completed a one-year internship under the guidance of a licensed doctor in a medical, preventive, or healthcare institution;
• Possessing a Licensed Assistant Doctor Qualification Certificate and having a junior college degree in medical science, with at least two years of work experience in a medical, preventive, or healthcare institution; or possessing a secondary vocational school degree in medical science, with at least five years of work experience in a medical, preventive, or healthcare institution.

Higher education institutions refer to full-time universities, and this examination is currently administered by the National Medical Examination Center. Registration for the exam takes place in May each year, and the exam is held in September.

Second, the Hygiene Technical Qualification Examination is a professional title exam. Similar to advancing grades in university, this exam covers six specialties within dentistry: Prosthodontics, Orthodontics, Dental Technology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dentistry (General), and Oral Medicine. The registration requirements for this exam are as follows:

(Note: Except for Dental Technology, which is categorized as a technical field, the other five specialties are clinical.)