Periodontist Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a periodontist. Feel free to use our periodontist job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a periodontist.
Who is a Periodontist?
A periodontist is a dentist that focuses on gum disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. They can also assist you in managing indicators of advanced gum disease, such as oral inflammation. Gum disease develops when the tissue surrounding your teeth becomes infected and inflamed. This swelling is usually caused by plaque-forming bacteria that has built up on your teeth and has spread below the gum line. Periodontists are “Oral Health Specialists” who have had rigorous residency training in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of periodontal (gum) disease and other oral health issues. Periodontists are specialists who specialize in saving teeth wherever possible. Periodontists are also highly educated in to use of dental implants to restore missing teeth.
Periodontists are specialists in the treatment of gum disease, periodontitis, and gingival (gum) recession. Periodontists also specialize in oral plastic surgery and the regeneration of missing gum and bone around teeth. Periodontics is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. Periodontists undertake significant training, including three years beyond dental school. You will benefit from the most up-to-date diagnostic procedures for treating periodontal disease and installing dental implants tailored to your needs if you choose a periodontal specialist for your care. Periodontists often do Oral Plastic Surgery to improve the appearance of the gums.
A periodontist is frequently mistaken for an endodontist or a general dentist. Because gums, teeth, and bones are all interconnected and interdependent, a general dentist is required to have similar abilities and expertise as a periodontist. A dentist will often refer a patient to a periodontist if the disease has worsened and gotten more complex. An endodontist, on the other hand, works with the roots and pulp chamber of teeth. Root canal therapy is one of their most popular therapies. When the pulp, which includes the nerves of a tooth, becomes inflamed, this procedure is performed. The pulp is removed from its chamber while the chamber is cleaned and filled to prevent additional damage to oral health. The tooth will not die if the nerves are removed. However, if you have advanced gum disease, a complicated case, or the possibility of tooth loss, your dentist will recommend you to a periodontist. Make an appointment with your dentist to check if you should see a periodontist if you detect any of the following common gum disease signs and symptoms:
Gums that are puffy or swollen: Inflammation, which is generally the first sign of gingivitis, can be caused by plaque and tartar-forming bacteria. This irritation can cause pockets to grow around your teeth if left untreated. This increases your chances of contracting an infection, which can lead to tooth loss. Your teeth will appear smaller if your gums are swollen. They could be a dark crimson instead of a healthy pale pink. In the early stages, deep cleaning at your dentist and proper oral hygiene at home can help to relieve the irritation.
Gums that bleed easily: Gums that bleed easily when brushing, flossing, or eating can be a sign of inflammation. If your gums are painful to the touch, your toothbrush is pink after brushing, or you spit blood out when brushing or flossing, see your dentist.
Bad Breath: Bad breath is a common occurrence that isn’t always called for concern. If, on the other hand, you brush your teeth regularly and still have bad breath, it could be a sign of disease or dental decay.
Painful chewing: Gum inflammation can cause pockets to grow around your teeth, loosening them and making them more sensitive. You may also have difficulty chewing. If you detect a change in the way your teeth fit together or new spaces emerging between your teeth, schedule an appointment with your dentist.
Gumline receding: Receding gums aren’t necessarily the result of gum disease. This can also happen if you brush your teeth too vigorously, causing gum tissue damage. A periodontist can correct this problem for cosmetic reasons, potentially lowering your risk of future gum disorders. Gum recession that isn’t caused by excessive brushing, on the other hand, is frequently a sign of advanced gum disease. A periodontist can assess the problem and provide treatment recommendations at this time. There are dental cases whereby patients should consult a Periodontist. Cases where patients are advised to see a periodontist are:
If they are referred to the Periodontist by their dentist: Patients should see a periodontist if they have been referred by their dentists. Patients frequently visit a periodontist after being referred by their primary dentists. It could be because the issue, such as gum disease, has progressed to the point of being too severe or technical.
They are looking for an alternative opinion: Patients consult a Periodontist if they want a second opinion because many general dentists are educated to diagnose gum problems, which are also covered by periodontists. If the patient does not agree with the general dentist’s diagnosis and treatment plan, or if more information is needed, he or she may consult a periodontist directly.
They require thorough cleaning: Gum disease is frequently caused by the accumulation of plaque on teeth. When deposits become hardened, plaque forms. They can harm teeth by allowing bacteria to penetrate, which can lead to tooth decay. Scaling and root planing treatments are performed by the periodontist during extensive cleaning. The deposits on the teeth are removed during scaling. The periodontal pockets, which can be a symptom of increasing gum disease, are also cleansed during root planning to prevent germs from forming.
They want a dental implant: A dental implant is one of the most effective ways to provide tooth structure support. When a patient’s bone has nothing to support it, such as when a tooth has already been extracted, bone loss can occur. To avoid this, a titanium dental implant is placed and allowed to integrate with the bone.
Periodontitis has been diagnosed in them: The inflammation of the gingiva (gums) is known as periodontitis. It occurs when the gums become inflamed as a result of the accumulation of tartar and plaque on the teeth. The gums become inflamed and infected as a result of this. If the gum problems are not treated quickly, the bones may be affected, and the tooth may fall loose. Periodontitis can be caused or triggered by a variety of circumstances, but it is most commonly caused by poor oral hygiene, such as not flossing every day or not seeing a dentist at least once a year.
If they have had a transplant: Organ transplants have saved hundreds of lives, but even after the patients have received the donated organs, they can be dangerous. The body can fight and harm the newly transplanted organ at any time. Immunosuppressant medicines are given to patients to reduce the risk. Different dental disorders might arise as a result of the body’s immunity being suppressed. Periodontists are usually referred to by dentists before and after the treatment to verify that the mouth is healthy.
Periodontist Job Description
Below are the periodontist job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a periodontist job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
- Provide counseling services to patients regarding their treatment plan, including an explanation of procedures and treatment options.
- Examine patients’ mouths to determine the cause of their periodontal disease and to identify any additional health problems that may be present.
- Prescribe medications or perform surgeries to treat certain conditions that have not responded to conventional treatments.
- perform surgical procedures such as bone grafting, flap surgery and tooth extraction.
- Prescribe treatments for patients with periodontitis to help them maintain healthy teeth and gums.
- Research topics related to periodontal disease and treatment methods.
- Educate patients about proper care of their teeth at home.
- Treat and diagnose gum disease and other oral health concerns, such as tooth decay and fractures.
- Perform dental procedures such as tooth extractions and dental implants.
Qualifications
- A doctorate in dental surgery or a dental-related medical practice.
- Periodontist License.
- Possess a ph.D
- Leadership ability
- Possesses problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent communication abilities.
Essential Skills
- Communication Skill: Patients are communicated with by periodontists to discuss treatment alternatives and consequences. To coordinate treatment and share information about their patients, they also communicate with other dental experts. Patients are also communicated with by periodontists, who answer inquiries and explain treatment alternatives.
- Technical skills: Periodontists perform procedures and analyze data using technical expertise. They analyze patients and decide the best therapy alternatives using technical expertise. They also use technical skills to undertake operations such as tooth extraction and dental implant placement.
- Problem-solving: One of the most important abilities a periodontist must possess is the ability to efficiently solve any problems that may emerge. There are a variety of things that might go wrong during medical or dental operations, and being able to deal with them calmly is crucial. Periodontists use their problem-solving skills to figure out what’s causing a patient’s gum disease and how to treat it. They also employ this ability to address patient worries regarding treatment alternatives and the treatment’s possible influence on their quality of life.
- Team Spirit: A periodontist frequently collaborates with a dental team that includes an oral surgeon, dentist, and dental hygienist. They also assist patients in developing a treatment plan and educating them about their illness. Periodontists frequently deal with patients for long periods, therefore they must be able to collaborate effectively with others and build trust with their patients.
- Empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share another person’s feelings. Empathy can help you relate to your patients and make them feel at ease as a periodontist. If a patient is worried about their therapy, for example, you can use empathy to reassure them and help them feel more at ease.
- Critical Thinking Ability: Periodontists must think critically about ways to correct problems and remedies that will prevent those difficulties from arising again because they deal with oral care and prevention. To guarantee that patients receive the correct diagnosis and treatment, a high level of critical thinking is required.
- Decision-Making Skills: A periodontist must be able to make appropriate decisions based on the information gathered when examining a patient’s condition. When performing surgeries, the amount of anaesthetic used, the time of day, and any other underlying factors must all be considered when making judgments that will have an impact on several areas.
- Monitoring Ability: A periodontist must monitor the patient before, during, and after any surgery. They must be able to anticipate problems and have a treatment strategy in place.
- Ability to Manage Resources: It takes ability and expertise to be able to manage multiple resources at the same time. A periodontist is in charge of a variety of resources that serve both the practice and the client. Having the ability to maintain things in order is a valuable skill in this field.
- Coordination Skills: One of a periodontist’s everyday jobs is to coordinate operations, visits, and other activities. It is critical to be able to successfully coordinate with the customer and other experts in the office on any concerns that may arise.
- Administrative: Being able to handle administrative responsibilities is critical, especially if working in private practice since technology continues to be a vital element of any profession. Knowing how to review bills, communicate with insurance providers, and handle all other parts of the office’s administration will ensure that everything is in order.
How to Become a Periodontist
- Education
The path to becoming a periodontist is similar to that of a dentist. After dental school, you must complete a periodontics residency program. The Dental Admissions Test and at least two years of prior college study are usually required for admission to dental school, but it is common for students to obtain a bachelor’s degree before applying. You could major in a science to prepare for the extensive science coursework required in dental school, but any major is usually acceptable as long as you meet the science prerequisites.
Dental school is a four-year program that includes both classroom and laboratory work. During the first two years, you’ll primarily take general and clinical science courses, like anatomy, pathology, and patient care procedures. You’ll get hands-on, supervised clinical experience in your final years. You’ll learn about numerous disciplines, such as periodontics and pediatric dentistry while assisting with diagnosis and treatment. You’ll receive a Doctor of Dental Surgery or a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree after graduation. After that, you’ll be in a residency program to obtain further expertise in periodontics. You’ll learn how to deal with challenging patients and will investigate strategies and procedures unique to this field of dentistry. Universities, hospitals, and other medical facilities frequently provide residency programs.
- Training and Experience
Periodontists complete a one-year residency program in periodontics after graduating from dentistry school. They will undergo hands-on periodontics instruction from experienced periodontists throughout this time. In a clinical context, they also learn how to work with patients.
- Licensure and Board Certification
Dentists must have a license in every state. You must pass written and practical tests to obtain a dental license. While most states give the practical exam, the National Board of Dental Examinations can be used for the written component. To practice as a periodontist, you may need to pass further exams in the field. Additionally, the American Board of Periodontology offers certification. You must have a dental degree, finish a periodontics education program, and pass the board tests to become board certified in periodontics. Every six years, you must renew your board certification.
Where to Work as a Periodontist
Periodontists typically operate in private dental practices with one or more other dentists. Dental hygienists, dental assistants, and office personnel collaborate closely with them. To suit their patients’ schedules, most periodontists work full-time, with some working evenings and weekends. Others work in places like community clinics and hospitals. Schools and non-profit groups may also have them. To assist patients to obtain a beautiful smile and maximum oral health, periodontists collaborate with radiology technicians, general dentists, and other specialists such as endodontists. They may as well travel to see patients who live a long distance away or are unable to travel. Periodontists may be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to dental emergencies. Even though most periodontists work regular hours, they may be under a lot of pressure when they have to meet deadlines or deal with difficult patients.
Periodontist Salary Scale
In Nigeria, a periodontist earns about 896,000 NGN per month on average. Salaries range from 421,000 NGN to 1,420,000 NGN per month. Though a periodontist’s average pay in the United States is roughly $95,000, it varies widely. The amount of money they make is determined by their geographical location and, most importantly, their level of experience. Years of experience can result in a significant rise in pay, perhaps exceeding $200,000. When a periodontist works alone, he or she is frequently responsible for their benefits. If they work for a company directly, however, they may anticipate a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid time off, health insurance, and a retirement plan.