Periodontist

Duties and Responsibilities:

Periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists are also experts in the treatment of oral inflammation.  They often treat more problematic periodontal cases, such as those with severe gum disease or a complex medical history. The periodontist examines the gums, checks to see if there is any gum line recession assesses how the teeth fit together when biting, and checks the teeth to see if any are loose.  They can also treat patients with severe gum problems using a range of surgical procedures. In addition, periodontists are specially trained in the placement and repair of dental implants.

Average Salary: $30,000-$60,000

Educational Requirements:

It takes many years of study to become a periodontist. The journey begins by completing a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology or a related topic and continues with four years of study in dentistry school where a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) degree or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) degree is earned; the dental school must be accredited by the American Dental Association. After dentistry school, a student periodontist completes three additional years of study to specialize in periodontics and receive a Ph.D. Each license requires completion of an exam.