Periodontist
A periodontist is a type of dentist that specializes in dealing with gum disease and other conditions having to do with the roots and bones of the teeth. Periodontists perform routine examinations, conduct patient tests, and determine if the problems warrant the need for surgery. These dental professionals provide patient education on how to prevent problems, how to deal with problems, and how to reduce the risk for more problems in the future.
Other common duties include: operating dental equipment (such as drills, oxygen equipment, scalpels, and other surgical items), operating X-ray equipment, assessing patient conditions, filling cavities, supervising staff, running day to day business matters, training dental technicians, and ensuring needed supplies are always stocked.
Periodontists are required to hold a Bachelor’s degree in pre-medicine, or pre-dentistry, a four year dental school degree, and must have undergone a minimum of three years of specialized training in diagnosing, treating, and preventing gum disease and related conditions. Periodontists often open their own practices, so it is recommended that individuals complete at least some business school to assist with running their practice. Due to an aging population, the field of periodontics is currently experiencing a much higher than average growth rate.
The typical average salary of a periodontist is about $147,000 per year. Individuals who open their own private practices can earn significantly higher salaries.
