Periodontics
Periodontics is the dental specialty focused on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease as well as placement of dental implants.
Specialty Overview
Scope & Practice
Periodontists treat inflammatory gum conditions, perform surgical and non-surgical periodontal therapy, and place dental implants.
Common Procedures:
- Scaling & root planing
- Gingival flap surgery
- Bone grafting & regeneration
- Soft tissue grafts
- Crown lengthening
- Dental implant placement
- Treatment of peri-implantitis
- Host modulation therapy
Professional Roles
Periodontics specialists can pursue various career paths within the specialty, often combining multiple roles:
- Private Practice: Solo or group periodontal and implant-focused practice
- Academic: Faculty positions involving teaching and research
- Corporate/DSO: Periodontist within dental service organizations
Clinical Settings
Periodontics specialists practice in diverse environments:
- Periodontal specialty clinics
- Multi-specialty dental offices
- Hospital-based clinics
- Academic dental institutions
Specialty Outlook
The periodontics profession continues to evolve with technological advances and shifting demographics:
- Growing demand for implant dentistry
- Increased recognition of links between oral and systemic health
- Development in bone regeneration and biomaterials
Digital Innovation
Periodontics is increasingly driven by cutting-edge digital technologies transforming patient care:
- Cone-beam CT imaging in implant planning
- 3D guided implant surgery
- Laser-assisted periodontal therapy
- AI-driven diagnostics
Patient Experience
Modern periodontics emphasizes patient comfort and convenience through various approaches:
- Minimally invasive periodontal procedures
- Dental implants as tooth replacement
- Guided tissue regeneration for improved outcomes
Student Journey Roadmap
Pre-Dental Preparation
Dental School Years 1-4
Geographic Program Map
Competitiveness Level
Application Requirements
Academic Prerequisites
- Degree Required: DDS or DMD from CODA-accredited school
- Minimum GPA: 3.3
- Average Accepted GPA: 3.5+
- Core Courses: Proficiency in periodontal science and oral biology
- Research Experience: Research recommended (especially in implants or regeneration)
Standardized Tests
- NBDE: NBDE Part I/II or INBDE (pass required)
- TOEFL/IELTS: Required for international applicants
Letters of Recommendation
- Number Required: 3
- Types:
- • Dental school dean/program director
- • Periodontal faculty
- • Research mentor (if applicable)
- Emphasis: Clinical competence and research potential
Research Experience
- Dental school research projects
- Publications are a plus
- Mentored experience in periodontal/implant studies
Clinical Experience
- Shadowing (20–40 hours)
- Perio externships/rotations
- Familiarity with surgical periodontal procedures
Application Components
- ADEA PASS application
- PROGRAM-specific supplemental applications
- Fees ($70–150/program)
- Personal statement
- CV highlighting research and clinical experience
- Transcripts
- Professional photo
Competitive Profile
- Target GPA: 3.5+
- Target GRE Verbal:
- Target GRE Quantitative:
- Research Publications: 1 publication preferred
- Shadowing Hours: 20–40 hours
- Extracurriculars: Leadership in dental/perio organizations
Application Deadlines & Timeline
PASS Application Opens
ADEA PASS opens in early May.
Request Recommendations
Reach out to faculty and mentors.
Submit PASS Application
Submit materials including statement and scores.
Interviews Begin
Programs interview selected applicants.
Set Reminders
Get notified about upcoming deadlines
Download Timeline
Save this timeline to your calendar
Competitiveness Overview
Understanding the competitive landscape for this specialty
Applicant to Seat Ratio
1.6:1
Average GPA
3.5+
Program Duration
3
Average Tuition
$60K+
Starting Salary
$225K
Tips for Success
- Good Academics: Maintain a GPA of 3.3+ and solid DAT scores
- Clinical Exposure: Shadow specialists in the field
- Extracurriculars: Be involved in dental organizations
- Strong Application: Write compelling personal statements
Curriculum & Training
Program Structure
Duration
3 years
Weekly Schedule
Majority clinical (≥60%), plus didactic & research
Research Requirements
Thesis or capstone required in most programs
Degrees Awarded
- Certificate
- MS/MSD (optional)
Clinical Training
- Periodontal diagnosis & treatment planning
- Non-surgical therapy
- Flap & regenerative surgery
- Soft tissue grafting
- Implant placement & maintenance
- Peri-implantitis management
- Interdisciplinary care
Didactic Education
- Periodontal pathology
- Surgical technique seminars
- Implantology and biomaterials
- Digital imaging (CBCT)
- Research methodology
- Practice management
Research Activities
- Original thesis project
- Statistical analysis
- Peer-reviewed publications
- Presentations at meetings
Financial Information
Total Program Cost
Programs with Stipends
Living Expenses
Starting Salary
Culture & Lifestyle
Work-Life Balance
Typically 4‑day weeks; occasional on‑call for surgical cases
Career Satisfaction
High satisfaction from surgical complexity and implant outcomes
Practice Environment
Team-based surgical and restorative care
Physical Demands
Moderate; surgical precision required
Day-in-the-Life
Morning huddle
Review surgical cases and patient flow
Clinic session
Perform non-surgical periodontal therapy or surgery
Lunch & didactic
Seminar or research meeting
Afternoon clinic
Implant placement or soft tissue grafting
Admin tasks
Progress notes, research workup
Career Perspective
Second-Year Resident
Focused on surgical independence and thesis work
I perform complex implant surgeries in the morning and devote afternoons to finishing my thesis.
Frequently Asked Questions
How competitive is periodontics?
About 1.6 applicants per position, with a ~50% match rate in recent years.
What is the typical salary for a periodontist?
Average base salary is about $225,000, ranging $180K–$260K depending on region.
How long is a periodontics residency?
Residency is 3 years, often with optional MS/MSD degree.