What is a Periodontist?

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease (a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth also known as gum disease), and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists receive extensive training in these areas and more, including three additional years of education beyond dental school.

What is a Board-Certified Periodontist?

A board-certified periodontist (also known as a Diplomate) is a periodontist who has undergone additional rigorous training and has met specific requirements to achieve certification from a relevant dental board or organization. The term "board-certified" indicates that the endodontist has gone above and beyond the standard requirements for licensure and has demonstrated a higher level of expertise and competency in their field. 

To become a board-certified periodontist, a dentist typically needs to complete the following steps:

1. Graduation from an accredited dental school: First, they must graduate from an accredited dental school and become a licensed dentist.
2. Specialized periodontics training: After dental school, they must complete an accredited postgraduate periodontal program, which can take 2 to 3 years. During this training, they acquire advanced knowledge and skills in periodontics.
3. Clinical experience: They must gain significant clinical experience in performing periodontal procedures and treating a wide range of periodontic cases.
4. Written and oral examinations: To become board-certified, they need to pass written and oral examinations administered by a dental board or organization that certifies specialists in periodontics. These exams test their knowledge, diagnostic abilities, and treatment-planning skills.
5. Maintenance of certification: After achieving board certification, periodontists need to continue their education and periodically recertify to maintain their status as board-certified periodontists.

Board certification signifies a commitment to excellence and expertise in periodontics. Patients who choose a board-certified periodontist can have confidence that they are receiving care from a specialist with advanced training and proven competence in diagnosing and treating complex periodontal issues.