What it is
Periodontists specialize in the gums and supporting structures of the teeth — preventing and treating gum disease and placing dental implants.
What you do
They treat periodontal (gum) disease, perform gum surgery and grafts, and place implants.
Training path & length
3-year CODA-accredited residency after the DDS/DMD.
Fellowship subspecialties
Practice focuses on periodontal therapy, soft-tissue and bone grafting, and dental implant surgery.
Pay & job outlook
Dentists are well-compensated. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median wage of $179,210 for dentists (May 2024), growing about 4% from 2024 to 2034. Dental specialists — including oral & maxillofacial surgeons, orthodontists, and prosthodontists — are among the highest-paid, at or above the BLS's top published figure ($239,200+).
Periodontists are well-paid dental specialists, above the general-dentist median.
How to get there
Become a dentist first: earn a DDS or DMD, then complete this CODA-accredited residency and board certification to practice the specialty.
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Key facts
- Residency3 years (after DDS/DMD)
- TreatsGums & tooth-supporting structures
- FocusGum disease, grafts, dental implants
- PayAbove the general-dentist median
- EntryDDS or DMD