What is a periodontology education from the USA
A periodontist is a specialist dentist with advanced training in the treatment of periodontitis and implant surgery.
Certification as a periodontist is achieved after extensive full-time study, patient treatment, research and thesis for at least 3 years at university and approved by The American Dental Association.
This specialization involves:
- Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of periodontitis and periimplantitis (gums and bone).
- Periodontal and implant surgery.
- Regeneration (restoration) of lost bone and soft tissue around teeth and implants.
- Analysis and treatment of occlusion (bite relationship).
- Aesthetic periodontal procedures to help you achieve the smile you want.
- Functional procedures to lengthen your broken tooth so it can receive a new crown.
- Maintenance of health, function, aesthetics of gums, bone, teeth and implants.
- Knowledge of the latest conditions within this specialist area.
Often, dentists refer their patients to a periodontist when periodontitis is present or cosmetic and implant treatment is necessary. We will work closely with your dentist to achieve the planned treatment.
You don’t need a referral to get here. You are welcome to call directly for a periodontal or implant consultation.
Periodontology is one of eight specialties recognized by The American Dental Association. The implant specialty is not a separate, individually recognized specialty, but is an integral part of periodontology and other relevant specialties.
A similar advanced education is offered in some European countries, but not in Denmark.
Currently, periodontology including implant surgery is a specialist program in 12 of the 28 EU countries: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, England, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Sweden, Hungary.
A periodontologist trained in the USA is a member of The American Academy of Periodontology, which was founded in 1914.
What is a Diplomate • Board Certified Periodontist in the United States
A “Diplomate” is a specially trained periodontologist who has achieved significant presentations and examinations in addition to the mandatory training requirement in the specialty, and who is thus recognized and certified by The American Board of Periodontology in the USA, which was founded in 1939.
In order to be educationally qualified for “Board Certification”, all of the following points are required:
Certification as a dentist, with obtaining the DDS or DMD degree (in Denmark, 5-year training).
Certification as a periodontologist specialist (3-year full-time training program in periodontology in the USA, accredited by the Commission on The Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association).
Comprehensive qualifications, written and oral exams covering all subjects of periodontitis and dental implants (in 2005 it also included examination in own patient treatment cases).
Recertification every 6 years without exception (= obtaining 60 hours of CE credits based on a certain list of criteria, by participating in accredited courses and conferences, by teaching, as well as by passing a written online test to validate one’s knowledge of new topics in periodontology and implants).