Is restorive dentistry the same as cosmetic dentistry?!
Question:
Is restorive dentistry the same as cosmetic dentistry?
and do u have to go to a special school to study cosmetic dentistry or do some universities do it?
Answers:
Yes. Restorative dentistry includes cosmetic dental procedures. That's why there is no such recognized specialty as "cosmetic dentistry" (in the USA and Canada at least).
Dentists can indeed take continuing education (CE) courses in the latest developments and techniques in restorative dentistry and cosmetic techniques, yes. CE courses are required to keep a dental license current.
Hope this helps
EDITED TO ADD for Emily below: Restorative dentistry includes everything that restores function to damaged teeth or mouth missing teeth. That means fillings, veneers, crowns, bridges, dentures, etc. And of course those things all need to look "cosmetic."
Closing cleft palates and facial reconstruction for accident victims would be surgical, and that sort of thing is handled by specialists in oromaxillofacial surgery. These specialists are oral surgeons, and they are dentists who had additional formal training in surgery after dental school.
Since you are not a dentist and you probably didn't know any better, I'll refrain from giving you a low rating. (don't be surprised if other dentists do though). :-D