Dentistry vs. Stomatology: What's the Difference?
Edited by Janet White || By Harlon Moss || Updated on November 7, 2023
Dentistry focuses on oral health and teeth, while stomatology includes the entire mouth and related structures.
Key Differences
In the realm of oral health, dentistry is a well-recognized term. It refers specifically to the medical field that deals with the study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions affecting the teeth, gums, and related structures. Dentistry is typically practiced by dentists, who often focus on procedures like fillings, root canals, and crowns.
Stomatology, on the other hand, encompasses a broader scope. While it also deals with the mouth, it extends to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the mouth, jaws, face, and neck. Stomatologists may handle complex cases that involve the oral mucosa and are often involved in the treatment of oral cancer, diseases of the salivary glands, and facial pain syndromes.
The term dentistry is commonly used in the United States and other countries to describe the professional practice concerned with dental health. Dental professionals, known as dentists, typically receive extensive training in dental schools and focus primarily on the teeth, gums, and immediate oral structures.
Stomatology is a term more frequently used in Europe and other regions to describe a field that is similar to dentistry but includes a wider array of treatments. Stomatologists are often involved with the medical aspects of oral health, dealing not just with teeth but with other aspects of the mouth, and sometimes collaborate with other medical professionals.
Dentistry is generally centered on dental-specific issues, primarily treating and managing oral health concerns related to the teeth and gums. Stomatology is broader, dealing with the entire mouth and associated structures, and can involve more medical aspects of oral care.
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Comparison Chart
Focus
Teeth and gums
Entire mouth and related structures
Scope
Dental health, tooth repair, oral hygiene
Oral mucosa, jaws, facial pain, and systemic oral diseases
Common Procedures
Fillings, extractions, orthodontics
Diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases, oral surgery
Training
Dental school, focusing on dental procedures
Often broader, including aspects of medicine and surgery
Usage
Predominant in the US and similar regions
More common in Europe and used in a broader medical context
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Dentistry and Stomatology Definitions
Dentistry
A profession devoted to maintaining oral health.
Advances in dentistry have made tooth extractions much less painful.
Stomatology
A branch of medicine that deals with the oral cavity and its disorders.
He referred her to stomatology for her persistent mouth ulcers.
Dentistry
The clinical practice of caring for teeth and gums.
Regular visits to dentistry are essential for preventing cavities.
Stomatology
The comprehensive practice encompassing all oral diseases.
The stomatology clinic also dealt with cases of jaw misalignments.
Dentistry
The field of medicine that pertains to the health and treatment of the mouth and teeth.
His fascination with dentistry stemmed from his childhood orthodontic experience.
Stomatology
An interdisciplinary field addressing dental and facial concerns.
Her interest in both dentistry and facial anatomy led her to specialize in stomatology.
Dentistry
The science of diagnosing, treating, and preventing oral diseases.
She pursued a career in dentistry to help people achieve healthy smiles.
Stomatology
The study and treatment of the oral and maxillofacial region.
Stomatology includes the treatment of diseases affecting the salivary glands.
Dentistry
The art and technique of treating teeth, gums, and the oral cavity.
Dentistry has evolved to include cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening.
Stomatology
The medical study of the mouth and its diseases.
Dentistry
The science concerned with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases of the teeth, gums, and related structures of the mouth and including the repair or replacement of defective teeth.
Stomatology
(medicine) The study of the mouth and its disorders and diseases; increasingly called oral medicine in current usage.
Stomatology
Scientific study or knowledge of the mouth.
FAQs
Can a dentist be called a stomatologist?
In some regions, yes, but typically a stomatologist has broader medical training.
What is dentistry?
Dentistry is the medical field focusing on oral health, including teeth, gums, and mouth care.
What is stomatology?
Stomatology is the study and treatment of the mouth and its disorders, encompassing a broader area than dentistry.
What conditions does stomatology treat?
Stomatology treats diseases of the mouth, jaws, and sometimes related facial structures.
Is stomatology more medical than dentistry?
Stomatology often involves more medical aspects of the mouth beyond the teeth and gums.
Are dentistry and stomatology the same?
They overlap but stomatology has a broader scope, including facial and jaw concerns.
Do dentists perform oral surgery?
Some dentists are trained in oral surgery, but complex cases may be referred to a stomatologist or an oral surgeon.
Are dental degrees different from stomatology degrees?
Yes, dental degrees focus on dentistry, while stomatology degrees may include a broader medical education.
Is dental treatment limited compared to stomatology?
Dental treatment focuses more on routine care and dental-specific procedures.
Are braces considered dentistry or stomatology?
Braces are typically considered part of orthodontic dentistry.
What conditions does dentistry treat?
Dentistry treats conditions related to the teeth, gums, and immediate oral hygiene.
Can dental professionals work in stomatology?
Yes, if they have the necessary training and qualifications.
Who treats oral cancer, a dentist or a stomatologist?
Oral cancer is usually treated by a stomatologist or an oncologist.
Is preventive care part of dentistry?
Yes, preventive care is a fundamental part of dentistry.
Is treatment for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) considered dentistry or stomatology?
It can fall under both, but often stomatology deals with more complex cases.
Who practices dentistry?
Dentistry is practiced by professionals known as dentists.
Who practices stomatology?
Stomatologists, who may have a background in medicine or surgery, practice stomatology.
Does stomatology include cosmetic procedures?
Yes, it can include cosmetic procedures related to the mouth and face.
Do I visit a dentist or stomatologist for toothache?
A dentist is typically consulted for a toothache.
Is preventive care part of stomatology?
Preventive care can be part of stomatology, especially in relation to broader oral diseases.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
