Most of us have a pretty good idea of what general dentists and family dentists do - check and clean your teeth every six months, fill cavities, etc. But what about dental specialists like endodontists or periodontists? 

An undergraduate education plus four years of dental school are required to become a general or family dentist. Those who wish to specialize in a particular aspect of dentistry must complete additional post-graduate training and education.

Here's a quick overview of the eight dental specialties listed on GoodDentistOrNot.com. The American Dental Association lists all except cosmetic dentists and implant specialists as "recognized dental specialties."

Pediatric Dentists

Pediatric dentists specialize in the treatment of children's teeth and oral diseases. Their patients range from in age from infants to adolescents.

Orthodontists

Orthodontists specialize in the prevention, diagnosis and correction of alignment problems in the teeth and jaws. After graduating from dental school, orthodontists must complete at least two years of advanced training and education.

Endodontists

Endodontists focus on preventing, diagnosing and treating diseases of the dental pulp and nerve. The procedure with which they are mostly closely associated is the root canal. Required: dental school plus at least two years of advanced training/education.

Periodontists

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, periodontists specialize in preventing, diagnosing and treating diseases "affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants." Required: dental school plus at least three years of advanced training/education.

Prosthodontists

Prosthodontists specialize in the restoration and replacement of teeth. Requirements: dental school plus at least three years of advanced training/education.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons "care for patients with problem wisdom teeth, facial pain, misaligned jaws" and a variety of other diseases and conditions, according to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. ("Maxillofacial" refers to the jaws and lower face.) Required: dental school plus at least four years of advanced training/education, which may include medical training/education.

Cosmetic Dentists

Cosmetic dentists are skilled in procedures such as "teeth whitening, veneers, natural tooth colored fillings and dental implants," according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Implant Specialists

A dental implant is a device that serves as a replacement for a missing tooth. There is no such thing as a "licensed implant specialist." Dentists most likely to engage in implant dentistry are general dentists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, periodontists and prosthodontists.