A Quick Overview of What it Takes to Become a Periodontist

Thinking about becoming a periodontist?

It certainly takes some hard work, but it’s an achievable and rewarding area of dentistry.

The quick overview of the pathway to becoming a periodontist lays out like this (or you can link to these other industry websites for more detailed information):

American Academy of Periodontology

American Board of Periodontology

College – your undergraduate degree is certainly the first step. You’ll be focusing heavily on science and math courses. And yes, getting high grades is important. Getting into dental schools is extremely competitive.

Dental Schools – there are roughly 60 accredited dental schools in the U.S. That’s not a lot! But once you’re in, most programs will have you focused on classwork, lab studies and experience in dental clinics.

Go to a Graduate Program for Periodontics – Periodontics is a specialized field of dentistry. In a graduate program, you’ll focus on advanced training regarding gum and bone disease, causes and current treatments (and of course, a lot more focused study)!

Get Your License – Once you’ve graduated, you’ll take written and practical exams.

Get Board Certified – This is one more level of advanced study. The American Board of Periodontology (ABP) offers comprehensive oral and written exams on all aspects of periodontal disease and treatment that will allow you to achieve board certification – the highest level of certification.

If you’re working toward your degree (or hope to in the future) – good luck!

Deerfield Beach office: (954) 427-5700