Specialties play an important role in meeting the needs and expectations of the population by supporting primary care practitioners, providing expert diagnosis alongside advanced care plans and treatment, extending knowledge and expertise, advising policy makers and training the next generation. During the 19th and 20th centuries, interest groups formed around contemporary oral and dental issues, each contributing knowledge and skills to the practice of dentistry. Many of these ‘issues’ would today be described as addressing specific population needs. Although the history of dental specialties could be written from any number of different perspectives, this paper explores the introduction, development and reform of dental specialties in the UK from a public health perspective, with particular emphasis on England.