A subject matter expert (SME) is defined as a person who is an expert in a particular area or topic. When spoken, sometimes the acronym “SME” is spelled out (“S-M-E”) and other times voiced as a word (“smee”).
The term domain expert is frequently used in expert systems software development, and there the term always refers to the domain other than the software domain. A domain expert is a person with special knowledge or skills in a particular area of endeavor. An accountant is an expert in the domain of accountancy, for example. The development of accounting software requires knowledge in two different domains, namely accounting and software. Some of the development workers may be experts in one domain and not the other.
In implant dentistry, there are also two domains, each requiring its own SME. A surgeon is an expert in domain of dental implant surgery and a prosthodontist (or a very experienced general dentist) is an expert in the domain of restoring dental implants. When it comes to replacing your missing teeth with dental implants, you need both types of doctors who are subject matter experts. Anything less, is a compromise.