Periodontology or Periodontics is the specialty of dentistry that studies supporting structures
of teeth, as well as diseases and conditions that affect them. The supporting tissues are
known as the periodontium, which includes the gingiva, alveolar bone, cementum, and
the periodontal ligament. A professional who practices this specialty field of dentistry
is known as a periodontist.
Periodontal diseases Periodontal diseases take on many different
forms but are usually a result of a coalescence of bacterial plaque biofilm accumulation of
the red complex bacteria of the gingiva and teeth, combined with host immuno-inflammatory
mechanisms and other risk factors which lead to destruction of the supporting bone around
natural teeth. Untreated, these diseases lead to alveolar bone loss and tooth loss and,
to date, continue to be the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Peri-Implantitis Periodontology also involves the placement
and maintenance of dental implants, including the treatment of peri-implantitis which is
inflammatory bone loss around dental implants. The etiology of peri-implantitis is thought
to be very similar to periodontal disease Training
Before applying to any postgraduate training program in periodontology one must first complete
a dental degree. Europe
Although each European State has its own independent system, an umbrella organization - the European
Federation of Periodontology - has the ability to accredit post-graduate programs according
to specific guidelines. The EFP awards a certificate of specialized training in periodontology,
periodontics and implant dentistry to every successful European candidates after 3 years
of full-time training in an accreditted post-graduate program. The graduate programs that have been
approved are the following: Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (nl), University
of Bern, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Institute for Postgraduate Dental Education
Jönköping, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, University
Complutense in Madrid, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel, the Technion in Haifa
in Israel, University of Dublin, Trinity College, University of Strasbourg in France, Paris
Diderot University at Rothschild hospital. Australia
Australian programs are accredited by the Australian Dental Council and are 3 years
in length and culminate with either a Master degree or a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry degree.
Fellowship can then be obtained with the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons, FRACDS.
Canada Canadian programs are accredited by the and
are a minimum of three years in length and usually culminate with a master degree. Graduates
are then eligible to sit for the Fellowship exams with the Royal College of Dentists of
Canada). India
Periodontics is offered as a specialization field of dentistry in India. Periodontists
attend a Master of Dental Surgery program affiliated with dental schools in India. The
minimum qualification required for the M.D.S degree is a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree.
United Kingdom The British Society of periodontology exists
to promote the art and science of periodontology. Their membership includes specialist practitioners,
periodontists, general dentists, consultants and trainees in restorative dentistry, clinical
academics, dental hygienists and therapists, specialist trainees in periodontology and
many others. Specialist training in periodontics in the
UK is either a three year full-time or four years at three days per week. At the end of
the training, candidates are awarded a Master of Clinical Dentistry before being entered
on the specialist list held by the General Dental Council.
USA
The American Dental Association accredited programs are a minimum of three years in length.
According to the American Academy of Periodontology, U.S.-trained periodontists are specialists
in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal diseases and oral inflammation,
and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants. Many periodontists also diagnose
and treat oral pathology and periodontics was the historical basis for the specialty
of oral medicine. Following successful completion of post-graduate training a periodontist becomes
Board eligible for the American Board of Periodontology examination. Successful completion of board
certification results in Diplomate status in the American Board of Periodontology.
See also
Chronic periodontitis Dental implant
Gum graft Gum recession
Journal of Periodontology Periodontitis
Scaling and root planing References
External links American Academy of Periodontology's article
on Periodontal Disease The National Institute of Cranialfacial Research's
article on Periodontal Disease AAP Directory of Periodontists
Canadian Academy directory of Periodontists Dental Council of India
British Society of Periodontology South African Society for Periodontology
European Federation of Periodontology