What Are the Differences Between a Periodontist and a Dentist?

Both dentists and periodontists assist their patients in preserving and enhancing their dental health. Despite their similarities, these two professions demand different education, training, abilities, and pay. You may determine which occupation may suit you the best and be in line with your career goals by being aware of the differences between a dentist and a periodontist. In this blog, we define a dentist and a periodontist as well as highlight their primary distinctions.

What is a dentist?

A dentist is a medical doctor who specializes in oral health. Dentists help their patients prevent issues with their teeth, their gums and other areas of the mouth. They also improve oral health by identifying and treating concerns such as cavities, gingivitis and gum disease. Dentists typically treat patients of all ages, although some prefer to provide care for either adults or children. Dentists can specialize in many areas within the field, including:

• Pediatrics: Dental care using techniques specifically developed for children
• Orthodontics: Dental care that corrects alignment issues with the teeth and jaw
• Periodontics: Dental care that focuses on the treatment of severe gum disease
• Endodontics: Dental care that involves the root of the tooth and the pulp inside it
• Prosthodontics: Dental care involving replacements for teeth or parts of teeth
• Pathology: Lab-based specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and study of oral diseases
• Radiology: Dental specialty that involves interpreting and studying X-rays of the teeth and jaws

What is a periodontist?

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the treatment of the gums and the bones that support the teeth. As dentists, periodontists have a comprehensive knowledge of primary dental care. They only treat patients who require treatment for gum diseases that extend beyond mild gingivitis. They may also perform some types of prosthodontics, such as dental implants. Levels of gum disease periodontists treat include:

• Mild periodontal disease: This is the second stage of periodontal disease, which occurs when gingivitis worsens. Periodontists can help patients manage this disease.
• Moderate periodontal disease: In the third stage, periodontal disease has the same symptoms as the previous stage, but they've worsened. Periodontists often perform deep cleanings at this stage.
• Advanced periodontal disease: This is the most advanced stage of periodontal disease. Periodontists often treat the disease at this progression with surgery and dental implants.

Treatments periodontists may provide to stop or slow the progression of disease at different stages include:

• Scaling and root planing: Scaling and root planing, also known as deep cleaning, involves cleaning the plaque and tartar buildup above and below the gum line that causes gum disease.
• Gum graft surgery: Gum graft surgery involves using tissue from the roof of a patient's mouth to tighten open pockets between the gums and teeth.
• Laser treatments: Laser treatments allow periodontists to quickly, safely and effectively remove inflamed gum tissue.
• Pocket reduction procedures: After administering anesthesia, periodontists perform a minor surgery in which they fold back the gums to remove bacteria.

Dentist vs. periodontist

Dentists and periodontists have many of the same qualifications, but they focus on different aspects of dental care. Here are some differences between these two dental professionals:

Primary job duties

Dentistry involves many different disciplines, and all of them involve the promotion of oral health. Doctors who use the title of dentist or general dentist typically provide a range of basic dental care services, such as routine cleanings and exams, fillings and other routine services. Dentists can treat more complex dental issues, but they typically refer patients who have them to a specialist. Patients with advanced gum disease often see periodontists for extensive treatment options related to gum disease and oral bone loss.

Education and training

To become a dentist of any kind, you must first earn an undergraduate degree. Most students receive a bachelor's degree in biological science, such as molecular biology or biochemistry. They then attend dental school for an additional four years to become a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD). After completing dental school, a graduate can begin a career as a general dentist. Those who wish to specialize in periodontics complete an additional two or three years of training in periodontal treatments and procedures prior to beginning their practice.

Licensure and certification

Every state has its own dental licensing requirements that each state's board of dentistry determines. All dentists who practice in the United States must meet these basic requirements:

• Graduate from an accredited DDS or DMD program
• Have passing scores on both parts of the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE)
• Complete a clinical examination or postgraduate education

Periodontists must receive a dental license and become board-certified in periodontics by the American Board of Periodontology (ABP). The board requires candidates to apply for and take a qualifying exam followed by an oral exam.

Specialized skills

Dentists in every area of the field need many soft skills, such as compassion, attention to detail and analytical thinking. Hard skills in dentistry vary depending on the specialty. General dentists must have the ability to handle and administer medications properly, use dental equipment proficiently and read X-rays to make diagnoses. Periodontists need the same skills as general dentists, but they also need specialized competencies in surgical procedures for gum disease and tooth loss.

Average salary

Dentists and periodontists both earn high salaries that reflect their extensive education, their clinical training and the oral health care services they provide to their patients. Dentists who practice general dentistry earn an average of $183,144 per year, while periodontists make an average of $223,894 per year. Dentist and periodontist salaries can vary based on years of experience and region.

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