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Studies & Degrees in Periodontology

Periodontology is the study of the tissues that support the teeth and dental implants: the gums, the bone and the fibres that hold a tooth in place. Its clinical side is called periodontics, the specialty of dentistry that covers the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of those tissues. It also includes replacing lost teeth with implants and rebuilding lost bone and gum by regeneration or repair.

The subject matters because gum disease is common. The World Health Organization estimates that severe periodontal diseases affect more than 1 billion cases worldwide and names poor oral hygiene and tobacco use as the main risk factors. In its severe form, the gum comes away from the tooth and the supporting bone, and teeth loosen and may fall out. Periodontology also looks at the links between gum disease and general conditions such as diabetes.

Students learn the biology and pathology of the periodontium, bone biology and wound healing, how to examine and record the state of the gums, non-surgical treatment, periodontal surgery, regenerative and mucogingival procedures, and the planning and placement of implants.

Qualifications and levels

Periodontology is first a subject inside the dentistry degree. Three examples from schools listed on SpainExchange:

  • Universidad Europea de Madrid: the bachelor's degree (grado) in Odontología is an official degree of five years and 300 ECTS credits, with classes in Spanish or English. Its study plan includes the compulsory subjects Periodoncia Básica (6 ECTS) and Periodoncia Avanzada (4 ECTS)
  • Egas Moniz School of Health and Science, Portugal: the integrated master's in Medicina Dentária lasts five years and has 300 ECTS credits. The school names specialising in periodontology as one of the options for graduates
  • Bukovinian State Medical University, Ukraine: the dentistry programme is described as five years and 300 ECTS credits

Becoming a periodontist means postgraduate training after the dentistry degree:

  • Europe: the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) accredits postgraduate programmes that last three years full-time and comprise 180 ECTS credits, with clinical, teaching and research components. The EFP states that they prepare graduates to practise periodontology, including surgical implant therapy, at specialist level
  • Ireland: the Periodontics strand of the Doctorate in Dental Surgery (D.Ch.Dent.) at Trinity College Dublin requires 36 months of attendance, clinical proficiency in a range of periodontal and implant procedures, and a thesis. It appears on the EFP list of accredited programmes, and Trinity states that it is also accredited by the Irish Committee for Specialist Training in Dentistry
  • United States: according to the American Academy of Periodontology, periodontists complete three additional years of education beyond dental school
  • United Kingdom: periodontics has its own specialty curriculum from the General Dental Council; the current version took effect for new trainees in September 2024

Entry is for qualified dentists with experience. Trinity asks for at least two years of clinical experience after the first degree and, for applicants who are not native English speakers and did not study in English, an IELTS score of at least 7 overall and in each category.

Where to study it

SpainExchange lists seven schools for periodontology, one each in Spain, the United States, Nigeria, Ireland, Ukraine, Russia and Portugal. Besides the three above, they are Trinity College Dublin (listed as University of Dublin, Trinity College), the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), which appears on the American Academy of Periodontology's list of US periodontal programmes, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Nigeria and Rostov State Medical University in Russia.

In Spain, the EFP list of accredited programmes includes the dental school of the Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Two practical points: Trinity lists no planned intake for its Periodontics strand in the 2026-27 academic year, so ask about the next one; and universities offer master's programmes in periodontics and implants of very different lengths. Before you enrol, ask the school what recognition the qualification has and whether it leads to a specialist title in the country where you want to work.

Careers

Most dentists are general practitioners and treat mild gum disease themselves. Periodontists receive the harder cases. The American Academy of Periodontology notes that many general dentists refer challenging periodontal and implant cases to them. Their work includes deep cleaning of root surfaces, gum surgery, regenerative procedures and implant placement. Some combine clinical work with teaching and research.

Employment statistics are published for dentists as a whole. In the United States, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of dentists will grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between periodontology and periodontics?

Periodontology is the study of the tissues that support the teeth and implants. Periodontics is the clinical specialty that prevents, diagnoses and treats diseases of those tissues. In practice the two words are often used for the same field.

How long does it take to become a periodontist?

A dentistry degree of about five years, followed by specialist training. EFP-accredited programmes in Europe last three years full-time, and periodontists in the United States complete three additional years after dental school.

What is an EFP-accredited programme?

It is a postgraduate programme in periodontology that the European Federation of Periodontology has accredited: three years full-time, 180 ECTS credits, with clinical, teaching and research training.

Can I study periodontology in English in Spain?

At degree level, the Universidad Europea de Madrid offers its Odontología degree with classes in Spanish or English. For postgraduate programmes, check the language with each school.