Prosthodontics, also known as dental prosthetics or prosthetic dentistry, is the area of dentistry that focuses on dental prostheses. It is one of 12 dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA), Royal College of Surgeons of England, Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland, Royal College of Surgeons of Glasgow, Royal College of Dentists of Canada, and Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons. The ADA defines it as "the dental specialty pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth or oral and maxillofacial tissues using biocompatible substitutes."

Pierre Fauchard (died 1761) discovered many methods to replace lost teeth using substitutes made from carved blocks of ivory or bone. He also introduced dental braces to correct the position of teeth using gold wires and silk threads.

In 1964 Jeanne Sinkford became the first female prosthodontist with a PhD degree; her degree was in Physiology, and from Northwestern University.

In 1974 Patricia Smathers Moulton became the first woman certified by the American Board of Prosthodontics.

In 1994 Jane D. Brewer became the first female fellow in the Academy of Prosthodontics.

In 2003 Nancy S. Arbree became the first female president of the American College of Prosthodontists, and Rhonda Jacob became the first female American Board of Prosthodontics examiner.

In 2006 Jane D. Brewer became the first female president of the American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics.

In 2008 Rhonda Jacob became the first female president of the Academy of Prosthodontics, and in 2010 she became the first female president of the American Board of Prosthodontics.