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Periodontist

Periodontists specialise in treating gum diseases and perform surgeries to install dental restorations, requiring strong communication skills and expertise.

How do I become a periodontist

Get qualified to work as a periodontist with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.

Common questions

The weekly salary for a Periodontist in Australia typically ranges from approximately $1,380 to $2,500 per week, translating to an annual salary of about $72,000 to $130,000. Increase your earning capacity by undertaking post-graduate qualifications in specialist areas like orthodontics, public health, or business administration.

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There are 1,400 Dental Specialists currently employed across Australia, this includes qualified Periodonists. They mainly work in private practice but some are employed by government health providers.

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Becoming a fully qualified Periodonist in Australia is a long-term commitment to your education and professional development. The steps are as follows:

  1. Complete a degree that covers human anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology such as the Bachelor of Biomedicine or Bachelor of Health Science.
  2. Pass the Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT).
  3. Complete a Doctor of Dental Surgery.
  4. Undertake at least 2 x years of clinical experience as a dentist.
  5. Complete a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Periodontics).
  6. Register as a Periodontist with AHPRA.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2024

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Further reading

How to start a career as a Dental Assistant

7th December 2021

What can you do with a Certificate III in Dental Assisting?

4th March 2021

How to become a dental assistant

24th February 2020

Periodontist careers

Periodonists are qualified dentists who focus on the treatment of periodontal disease as well as injuries and diseases affecting the gums and tissues that support our teeth. They perform dental surgery and install restoration devices such as bridges, crowns, and dental implants.

As a Periodonist you could be drinking your morning coffee and reviewing the patient list for the day, conducting an oral exam on a new patient, examining dental x-rays, performing gum restoration surgery, discussing a change to the treatment plan with a long-term patient, writing up correspondence for the laboratory technicians, calling a patient to discuss the results of a diagnostic test, or just having a few moments of self-care between appointments.

To succeed in this occupation you must be committed to academic and technical excellence in dentistry and have outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.