There are 54 medical specialties that start with the letter D. From Dental Anesthesia to Downstream Medicine. Medical specialties are fields within medicine that focus on specific functions, patient populations, or types of diseases. They have evolved to address the increasing complexity of healthcare, enabling practitioners to hone their skills and knowledge in particular areas. Specialists typically undergo extensive training that includes residency programs and sometimes additional fellowships, allowing them to provide advanced care and treatment options. The diversification into various specialties ensures that patients receive expert diagnosis and management of their medical conditions, thus enhancing the quality of care.
An interesting fact about medical specialties is that many of them have unique subspecialties that have developed around advancements in technology and research. For instance, within internal medicine, there are subspecialties like cardiology and gastroenterology that focus on specific organ systems or diseases, demonstrating a continuous evolution of medical practice to incorporate new knowledge and techniques.
Here’s what each of the columns in the table means:
Focus Area: This column indicates the primary domain or aspect of health care that the specialty addresses, such as cardiology focusing on heart diseases or pediatrics centering on children’s health.
Training Required: This column specifies the education and training commitments needed to practice within the specialty, typically involving medical school, residency, and possibly fellowships for further specialization.
Common Procedures: This column outlines the typical medical interventions or treatments that practitioners in the specialty perform regularly, such as surgeries, diagnostic tests, or therapeutic measures.
Description: This column provides a brief overview of the specialty, including its scope of practice, the types of conditions treated, and the patient population served, giving insight into the role of the medical specialty in overall healthcare.
Medical specialties That Start With D
Medical specialties | focus area | training required | common procedures |
---|---|---|---|
Dental Anesthesia | Administering anesthesia during dental procedures | Completion of dental school, additional training in anesthesia | Administration of local, regional, and general anesthesia for dental surgeries and treatments |
Dental Biomaterials | Development and evaluation of materials used in dental applications | Dental school, additional training in materials science and engineering | Research, testing, and implementation of dental materials such as fillings, crowns, and implants |
Dental Epidemiology | Study of the distribution and determinants of oral health conditions in populations | Dental school, additional training in public health and epidemiology | Conducting oral health surveys, analyzing data, and developing preventive strategies |
Dental Forensics | Application of dental knowledge and techniques to the investigation of legal matters | Dental school, additional training in forensic science | Identification of individuals through dental records, analysis of bite marks, and expert testimony in legal proceedings |
Dental Implantology | Placement and restoration of dental implants to replace missing teeth | Dental school, additional training in implant dentistry | Surgical placement of dental implants, restoration with crowns, bridges, or dentures |
Dental Informatics | Application of information technology to the field of dentistry | Dental school, additional training in computer science and information systems | Integration of electronic dental records, teledentistry, and data-driven decision making |
Dental Public Health | Promotion of oral health and prevention of dental diseases at the community level | Dental school, additional training in public health and community health | Conducting oral health assessments, developing community-based interventions, and advocating for policies that improve dental care access |
Dental Sleep Medicine | Diagnosis and management of sleep-related breathing disorders, including sleep apnea | Dental school, additional training in sleep medicine and dental sleep medicine | Fabrication and fitting of oral appliances to manage sleep apnea and snoring |
Dental Traumatology | Management of dental and facial injuries, including fractures, displacements, and avulsions | Dental school, additional training in emergency dentistry and trauma care | Immediate emergency treatment, stabilization, and long-term restoration of traumatic dental injuries |
Dentistry | The branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity, including the teeth, gums, and supporting structures. | 4 years of dental school following 4 years of undergraduate education. | Fillings, crowns, bridges, extractions, root canals, dental implants, orthodontics |
Dentistry, Community Health | A specialty of dentistry that focuses on improving oral health at the community level, with an emphasis on underserved populations and public health approaches. | 4 years of dental school, with additional coursework and experiences in community health, public health, and health policy. | Conducting oral health screenings, implementing community-based preventive programs, advocating for improved access to dental care |
Dentistry, Endodontics | Diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries of the dental pulp and periapical tissues | Completion of a 2-3 year accredited postgraduate specialty program in endodontics following dental school | Root canal procedures, apicoectomies, vital pulp therapy |
Dentistry, Forensic | Applies dental science to legal investigations, with a focus on identifying victims and delivering expert testimony. | Additional training in forensic odontology. | Postmortem dental examinations, analyzing bite marks, age estimation. |
Dentistry, Geriatric | Focuses on the oral health needs of older adults, including managing age-related conditions and disabilities. | Additional training in geriatric dentistry. | Dental examinations, denture fittings, oral cancer screenings. |
Dentistry, Implantology | Placement and restoration of dental implants to replace missing teeth | Completion of a 1-2 year accredited postgraduate specialty program in implantology following dental school | Dental implant placement, restoration, and maintenance |
Dentistry, Operative | Focuses on the restoration and replacement of damaged or missing tooth structure. | Additional training in operative dentistry. | Fillings, crowns, veneers, inlays/onlays. |
Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology | A specialty of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis and management of diseases and conditions affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions. | 4 years of dental school, followed by 2-4 years of additional training in oral and maxillofacial pathology. | Performing and interpreting biopsies of oral and maxillofacial tissues, providing diagnoses for a wide range of pathological conditions |
Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology | A specialty of dentistry that focuses on the use of medical imaging techniques, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI, to diagnose and monitor conditions affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions. | 4 years of dental school, followed by 2-4 years of additional training in oral and maxillofacial radiology. | Interpreting radiographic images of the oral and maxillofacial regions, performing and interpreting advanced imaging studies (e.g., CBCT, MRI) |
Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | A specialty of dentistry that focuses on the surgical treatment of diseases, injuries, and deformities affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions. | 4 years of dental school, followed by 4-6 years of additional training in oral and maxillofacial surgery. | Extractions, implant placement, facial trauma repair, corrective jaw surgery, removal of pathological lesions |
Dentistry, Orofacial Pain | Diagnosis and management of chronic orofacial pain conditions | Completion of a 2-4 year accredited postgraduate specialty program in orofacial pain following dental school | Trigger point injections, botulinum toxin injections, occlusal splint therapy |
Dentistry, Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics | A specialty of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities, including the alignment of teeth and the growth and development of the jaws. | 4 years of dental school, followed by 2-3 years of additional training in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. | Placement of braces and other orthodontic appliances, treatment of malocclusions and jaw growth and development issues |
Dentistry, Pediatric | A specialty of dentistry that focuses on the oral health of children, from infancy through adolescence, including the management of developmental, behavioral, and medical issues. | 4 years of dental school, followed by 2-3 years of additional training in pediatric dentistry. | Preventive care, restorative treatments, management of dental trauma, sedation and general anesthesia for pediatric patients |
Dentistry, Periodontics | A specialty of dentistry that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and conditions affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. | 4 years of dental school, followed by 2-3 years of additional training in periodontics. | Scaling and root planing, gum surgery, placement of dental implants, management of gum disease |
Dentistry, Prosthodontics | Restoration and replacement of missing or damaged teeth | Completion of a 2-3 year accredited postgraduate specialty program in prosthodontics following dental school | Crowns, bridges, dentures, implant restorations |
Dentistry, Special Needs | A specialty of dentistry that focuses on the unique oral health needs of individuals with physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities, as well as those with complex medical conditions. | 4 years of dental school, with additional training and experience in treating patients with special needs. | Providing dental care in modified environments, using specialized techniques and equipment, managing medically complex patients |
Dentofacial Orthopedics | A specialty of orthodontics that focuses on the use of removable and fixed appliances to guide the growth and development of the jaws and facial bones, as well as the alignment of the teeth. | 2-3 years of additional training in dentofacial orthopedics following 4 years of dental school. | Placement of orthodontic appliances, such as palatal expanders and functional appliances, to guide jaw and facial growth |
Dermapathology | Focuses on the microscopic diagnosis of skin diseases and disorders. | Specialized training in dermatology and pathology. | Skin biopsies, immunohistochemical staining. |
Dermatologic Surgery | A subspecialty of dermatology that focuses on the surgical treatment of skin, hair, and nail conditions, including both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. | 1-2 years of additional training in dermatologic surgery following 4 years of medical school and 3-4 years of dermatology residency. | Mohs micrographic surgery, excision of skin lesions, laser treatments, cosmetic procedures (e.g., botox, fillers, liposuction) |
Dermatological Oncology | Diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers | Additional training in dermatology, oncology, and surgical oncology | Skin biopsies, excisions, Mohs surgery, radiation therapy |
Dermatology | The medical specialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions and diseases of the skin, hair, and nails. | 4 years of dermatology residency following 4 years of medical school. | Skin biopsies, laser treatments, Mohs surgery, cosmetic procedures (e.g., botox, fillers) |
Dermatopathology | A subspecialty of both dermatology and pathology that focuses on the microscopic examination and diagnosis of skin diseases. | 1-2 years of dermatopathology fellowship training following 4 years of medical school, 3-4 years of dermatology residency, and 1-2 years of anatomic pathology residency. | Examination and interpretation of skin biopsies, providing diagnoses for various skin conditions |
Dermatopulmonary Medicine | A subspecialty of both dermatology and pulmonology that focuses on the diagnosis and management of skin conditions related to lung and respiratory diseases. | 1-2 years of additional training in dermatopulmonary medicine following 4 years of medical school, 3-4 years of dermatology residency, and 3-4 years of pulmonology residency. | Skin biopsies, management of skin conditions associated with lung diseases, coordination of care between dermatologists and pulmonologists |
Developmental and Behavioral Neurology | A subspecialty of neurology that focuses on the diagnosis and management of developmental and behavioral disorders affecting the nervous system, such as autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities. | 1-2 years of additional training in developmental and behavioral neurology following 4 years of medical school and 4 years of neurology residency. | Neuropsychological assessments, behavioral interventions, medication management for neurodevelopmental disorders |
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics | A pediatric subspecialty focused on the evaluation and management of developmental, behavioral, emotional, and social issues in children and adolescents. | 2-3 years of additional training in developmental-behavioral pediatrics following 4 years of medical school and 3 years of general pediatrics residency. | Developmental assessments, behavior management, counseling, prescribing medications for ADHD, autism, or other conditions |
Developmental and Behavioural Medicine | Diagnosis and treatment of developmental and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents | Completion of a 2-3 year accredited postgraduate specialty program in developmental and behavioral medicine following medical school | Developmental assessments, behavior modification therapy, medication management |
Developmental and Rehabilitative Medicine | Comprehensive assessment and treatment of developmental disabilities and rehabilitation needs | Medical degree, physical medicine and rehabilitation residency | Assistive device prescription, gait training, cognitive rehabilitation |
Developmental Medicine | Focuses on the assessment and management of developmental disabilities and delays in children. | Specialized training in pediatrics and developmental disabilities. | Developmental screenings, cognitive assessments, therapy coordination. |
Developmental Rehabilitation Medicine | Rehabilitation of individuals with congenital or acquired developmental disabilities | Physical medicine and rehabilitation residency plus additional training in developmental disabilities | Assistive technology, adaptive equipment, physical and occupational therapy |
Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics | A pediatric subspecialty focused on the evaluation and management of developmental, behavioral, emotional, and social issues in children and adolescents. | 2-3 years of additional training in developmental-behavioral pediatrics following 4 years of medical school and 3 years of general pediatrics residency. | Developmental assessments, behavior management, counseling, prescribing medications for ADHD, autism, or other conditions |
Diabetes and Endocrinology | Diagnosis and management of endocrine disorders, with a focus on diabetes | Medical degree, internal medicine or pediatrics residency, endocrinology fellowship | Insulin therapy, glucose monitoring, hormone replacement |
Diabetology | Diagnosis, treatment, and management of diabetes mellitus and associated complications | Internal medicine or family medicine residency plus additional training in endocrinology and diabetes | Insulin therapy, glucose monitoring, dietary and lifestyle counseling |
Diagnostic Cytology | A subspecialty of pathology that focuses on the microscopic examination and interpretation of cells obtained from various body sites, used for the diagnosis of diseases. | 1-2 years of additional training in diagnostic cytology following 4 years of medical school and 3-4 years of anatomic pathology residency. | Performing and interpreting fine-needle aspirations, preparing and analyzing cytology samples, providing diagnoses based on cellular morphology |
Diagnostic Genetics | Focuses on the genetic basis of diseases and the use of genetic testing for diagnosis and risk assessment. | Specialized training in medical genetics and genomics. | Genetic testing, counseling, and interpretation of results. |
Diagnostic Imaging | Interpretation and analysis of medical imaging studies | Medical degree, radiology residency | Radiography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound |
Diagnostic Medical Sonography | The medical specialty that uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to create images of structures within the body, which are used to diagnose and monitor various medical conditions. | Typically a 2-year associate’s or bachelor’s degree program in diagnostic medical sonography, following 4 years of undergraduate education. | Performing and interpreting ultrasound examinations of the abdomen, heart, blood vessels, and other structures |
Diagnostic Radiology | The medical specialty focused on the use of medical imaging techniques, such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI, and ultrasound, to diagnose and monitor diseases and injuries. | 4 years of radiology residency following 4 years of medical school. | Interpretation of medical imaging studies, image-guided procedures (e.g., biopsies, injections) |
Dialysis Medicine | Management of patients with end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis | Medical degree, internal medicine or nephrology residency | Hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, access placement |
Dietetics | The study of the science of food and nutrition and the application of this knowledge to health and disease. | Typically a 4-year bachelor’s degree in nutrition or dietetics, followed by a supervised practice program and passing a national credentialing exam. | Nutrition assessment, counseling, developing meal plans, managing food service operations |
Digestive Diseases | Focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and associated organs. | Specialized training in gastroenterology. | Endoscopies, biopsies, management of conditions like IBD, cirrhosis, and pancreatitis. |
Disability Medicine | A medical specialty that focuses on the comprehensive evaluation, management, and rehabilitation of individuals with physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities. | 1-2 years of additional training in disability medicine following 4 years of medical school and a residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurology, or another relevant specialty. | Functional assessments, prescription of assistive devices, management of secondary conditions, coordination of interdisciplinary care |
Disaster Medicine | The medical specialty that focuses on the management and mitigation of the health impacts of disasters, whether natural, man-made, or technological. | 1-2 years of additional training in disaster medicine following 4 years of medical school and a residency in emergency medicine, preventive medicine, or another relevant specialty. | Triage, emergency response planning, mass casualty management, public health interventions |
Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine | The medical specialty that deals with the physiological effects of pressure, including the prevention and treatment of conditions related to diving, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and high-altitude exposure. | 1-2 years of additional training in diving and hyperbaric medicine following 4 years of medical school and a residency in emergency medicine, internal medicine, or another relevant specialty. | Administration of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, treatment of decompression sickness, high-altitude medicine |
Dizziness and Balance Disorders | A subspecialty of neurology and otolaryngology that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting balance, equilibrium, and the vestibular system. | 1-2 years of additional training in dizziness and balance disorders following 4 years of medical school and a residency in neurology, otolaryngology, or another relevant specialty. | Vestibular testing and rehabilitation, management of vertigo, treatment of balance disorders |
Downstream Medicine | A medical specialty that focuses on the prevention and management of chronic diseases and their complications, with an emphasis on promoting long-term health and well-being. | 1-2 years of additional training in downstream medicine following 4 years of medical school and a residency in family medicine, internal medicine, or another relevant specialty. | Chronic disease management, health promotion, preventive care, collaboration with community organizations |
Descriptions
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