Career profile Β· live from the Careermash careers engine
Research / problem-solving

Periodontist

In the United States, periodontists are dental specialists focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, as well as the placement of dental implants. This career path is not only rewarding but also offers a chance to make a significant impact on patients' oral health. With the increasing awareness of the connection between oral health and overall health, periodontists are in high demand, making this an exciting time to enter the field.
Degree usually required
AI impact: low££££ payUni route
0
AI impact
how much AI is reshaping it
Ottalie Β· your guide
Curious about being a periodontist? Here's the honest picture - what you'd really do, what you'd earn, and every way in. No need to decide anything yet.

What you'd actually do

As a periodontist in the US, you will be responsible for diagnosing and treating gum diseases, performing surgical procedures, and educating patients on maintaining optimal oral health. Your role will also involve collaborating with general dentists and other specialists to provide comprehensive care. The demand for periodontists is growing, particularly in urban areas where dental practices are expanding their services to include advanced periodontal care.
1Conducting thorough examinations of patients' gums and teeth.
2Developing treatment plans for periodontal disease and implant placement.
3Performing surgical procedures such as gum grafts and bone regeneration.

Career progression & pay

01
Getting in

Junior Periodontist

$80,000
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)
As a junior periodontist, you will begin your career by assisting in surgeries and gaining experience in patient management.
02
Building up

Mid-Level Periodontist

$150,000
3-5 years of experience
In this stage, you will manage your own cases, perform complex procedures, and start building a patient base.
03
At the top

Senior Periodontist

$250,000+
Established reputation and extensive experience
As a senior periodontist, you will lead a practice, mentor junior staff, and may also engage in teaching or research.

Degrees that lead here via Medicine and Dentistry

Apprenticeships that lead here

No apprenticeship standard maps directly yet - the university or college route is the main way in.

Organisations in this field

Bupa Dental Care
A leading dental care provider in the UK.
Portman Dental Care
A group of private dental practices in the UK.

How to get in - your routes

Careermash Β· your kind of work, the careers in it, and every route in - all in one place.

Career data: role, pay and progression profiles built for Careermash's careers engine; AI-impact estimates from Anthropic's observed AI-usage telemetry and OpenAI's AI Jobs Transition Framework. Course data: HESA / Discover Uni, including Graduate Outcomes, LEO and the National Student Survey. Apprenticeships: IfATE-published standards, approved only.

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