Final answer:
The statement is false. A pedodontist specializes in the oral health of children and their primary concerns are the growth, development, and treatment of children's teeth, not the surrounding structures. The periodontist is the dental specialist who deals with the support structures of the teeth and periodontal disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that a pedodontist deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding structures of the tooth is false. A pedodontist, also known as a pediatric dentist, specializes in the oral health of children from infancy through the teen years. They are primarily concerned with the growth and development of the teeth and jaws during childhood, including the prevention and treatment of cavities and other common childhood dental issues.
The professional concerned with the supporting and surrounding structures of the tooth, such as the periodontal ligament, gums, and alveolar processes, is a periodontist. Periodontists specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, which affects the tissues that support the teeth. Awareness of the anatomy of a tooth, including the enamel, dentin, pulp, and surrounding tissues such as the gums and periodontal ligament, is essential for understanding various dental specialties and their focus areas.