Did you know that writing a dentist's degree is divided into 3 parts, starting from the academic stage, the professional stage to the final stage, namely specialist.

The initial stage begins with graduating with a bachelor's degree in dentistry with a S.K.G. or S.KG. After completing the professional training and being sworn in as a dentist, the title becomes "Drg." Afterward, if you wish to pursue a specialty, the title becomes "Drg. Nama, Sp." For example, if you specialize in orthodontics, the title becomes "Drg. Nama, Sp. Ort."

The following is the correct way to write a dentist's title, complete with examples of names and titles.

Examples of Specialist Degrees in Dentistry

What we usually see in dental clinics is the Sp. Ort title, but there are other specialist titles too, you know!

Curious about the various specialist degrees in dentistry? Let's take a look at the table below.

The above are the various dental degrees available in Indonesia. These names represent specialist dentists currently working at the Opal Dental Indonesia clinic.

Differences Between Each Dentist Degree

We will explain in more detail the differences between each degree in dentistry.

Orthodontics

Title: Drg. Name, Sp. OrtThis is a degree completed after the professional stage. It usually takes about 3-4 years to earn an orthopedic specialist degree.

The program focuses on the expertise of straightening teeth (braces), correcting jaw position, dealing with buck teeth and also aligners.

Dental Conservation

Dentist with the title Sp. KG(dental conservation) is usually more familiarly known as an endodontist. Endodontists possess several specialized skills, including:

• Root canal treatment (Endodontics)
• Complex restoration
• Aesthetic treatments
• Endodontic surgery

Prosthodontics

The title of a prosthodontist is Sp. Pros or Sp. Prost.Doctors who hold this degree have special expertise related to the restoration of chewing and speech functions, dental implants, and the installation of dentures to improve the aesthetic value of the oral cavity and improve jaw structure.

Periodontics

This is a specialist dental degree specializing in the health of the gums, supporting tissues, and jawbone. A periodontist holds the title Sp.Perio.

• Making dentures that can be removed or installed by the patient (not permanent)
• Making permanent dentures such as crowns, bridges, and veneers for teeth that are very badly damaged.
• Repairing oral and facial tissue due to congenital defects, tumor surgery and trauma.
• Treatment for joint pain in the jaw.

Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric dentisthas a specialist degree Sp.KGA, a doctor who specifically carries out preventive measures, care and also treatment for dental and oral problems in children (babies) aged from 0 years to teenagers aged 17 years.

Oral Disease

Dentist specializing in diseasesis a medical expert who has special skills to diagnose and also carry out treatment for diseases and disorders of the oral cavity tissue.

The tissues of the oral cavity include the cheeks, gums, tongue, and lips. Chronic canker sores that persist for more than two weeks, as well as inflammation of the tongue, can even lead to oral cancer.

The specialist title for oral diseases is Sp.PM.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

A specialist doctor who handles problems such as the oral cavity, teeth and jaw is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (Sp.B.M.M)

Apart from that, this specialist doctor also handles cysts, tumors, and jaw surgery.

How to Check Registration Certificate (STR)

In Indonesia, someone once used a fake specialist degree. This is certainly very dangerous for patients, as obtaining such a degree takes a very long time and is not easy.

Check the authenticity of specialist doctors through their registration certificate (STR) online.

• Open the siteIndonesian Medical Council
• Next, click on the sectionfeature > check named & health workers> select search type
• Choose no STRor you can enter your full name
• After entering the STR number or name, then check the captcha button.
• Click “search data" to find out the activity of the doctor, the validity period and also the identity details of the STR holder.

That's the correct way to spell a dentist's title. If you want to become a dentist, you must complete a bachelor's degree in dentistry. After that, you can choose a professional education and become a specialist.