Periodontics is the specialty of dentistry that encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the periodontal tissues that support and surround the teeth, including the gums, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. Poor oral hygiene, genetics and systemic disease (along with smoking) influence the occurrence of periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, a chronic condition that leads to tooth loss if left untreated.

The practice of periodontics is focused on prolonging the life of teeth with periodontal disease by utilizing resective and regenerative surgical approaches. Periodontics also encompasses the provision of surgical alveolar augmentation, surgical implant placement and mucogingival surgery for supporting and enhancing esthetic dental prostheses.

The periodontics certificate is offered as a combined degree with a master's in oral sciences or a PhD in oral biology. This clinical program is well balanced with a research training program to train students for academic, research or clinical careers. Apart from research, our program also involves teaching as an important component of training. Postgraduate students participate in mandatory tier-based teaching in predoctoral clinics during the second and third years of training.

Graduates of our program serve as leaders in dental education in the United States and across the world. Graduates of our program have also received several generous awards and scholarships from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) Foundation. Some of our notable award recipients in the recent past include:

• Dr. Abhiram Maddi (Abram & Sylvia Chasens Fellowship 2012; AAP Teaching Fellowship 2016)
• Dr. Srinivas Myneni (AAP Educator Award 2014)
• Dr. Bin-Yan Wang (Bud and Linda Tarrson Fellowship 2010)
• Dr. Giuseppe Intini (AAP Teaching Fellowship 2008)