A periodontist is a dental specialist that deals with different illnesses and disorders of the gums, from gingivitis to more complex conditions.
The periodontist treats various diseases, including Gingivitis, Aggressive Periodontitis (rapid attachment loss, bone destruction, and familial aggregation), Chronic Periodontitis, and Necrotizing Periodontal Diseases (HIV infections, malnutrition, and immunosuppression).
Another closely related medical profession for Periodontist is an oral surgeon (aka Maxillofacial Surgeon ).
How to become a Periodontist? To become a periodontist, one should:
Graduate from high school with a good GPA . Get a bachelor degree that includes the following pre-requisite courses: Pass the dental admission test (DAT ). Get into a licensed dental school. Complete the required 4 years of coursework at a dental school, including clinical practice. Participate in a periodontics externship in your 3 or 4 years . Pass at least Part I of the National Board of Dental Examination (NBDE ), preferably Part II as well. Obtain a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS ) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD ) degree. Some schools would require an Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT ) as well. Obtain a license as a dentist. Join a periodontal residency program that may last up to 3 years . Get licensed by the American Board of Periodontology . The board certification would include:
Average Salary for Periodontists An average salary for a periodontist in the US is between $102,000 and $252,000 per year.
Additional Resources American Academy of periodontology – Link Periodontics – Link Cite This Page Key References “Before you Apply | College of Dentistry | The Ohio State University” . Accessed December 21, 2019. Link .“Dental Admission Test” . Accessed December 21, 2019. Link .“Externships in AEGD, Endodontics, Orthodontics, Periodontics, or Prosthodontics | College of Dental Medicine” . Accessed December 21, 2019. Link .“National Board Dental Examinations” . Accessed December 21, 2019. Link .“Admissions Information | College of Dental Medicine” . Accessed December 21, 2019. Link .“Advanced Dental Admission Test” . Accessed December 21, 2019. Link .“Home – The American Board of Periondontology” . Accessed December 21, 2019. Link .“Examinations – The American Board of Periondontology” . Accessed December 21, 2019. Link .“Periodontist Salary | PayScale” . Accessed December 21, 2019. Link .