College: Graduate School of Health Sciences

Clinical Periodontology

Major Description:

This specialization focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal diseases and conditions affecting the supporting structures of the teeth. Students develop skills in periodontal therapy, surgical procedures, and implant dentistry. Graduates are prepared for careers in periodontal practices, clinics, and academic institutions.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the fundamentals of periodontology and periodontal diseases.
• Develop skills in diagnosing and treating periodontal conditions.
• Learn techniques for performing periodontal surgical procedures and implant dentistry.
• Explore principles of periodontal maintenance, prevention, and patient education.
• Analyze and interpret periodontal data and research findings.
• Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and clinical decision-making skills for effective periodontal treatment.

Major Outline:

1. Introduction to Clinical Periodontology
   • Overview of key concepts, principles, and practices in periodontology and periodontal diseases.
   • Fundamentals of periodontal anatomy, pathology, and epidemiology.
2. Periodontal Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
   • Principles of diagnosing periodontal diseases, including clinical examination, radiographic analysis, and periodontal charting.
   • Techniques for developing comprehensive treatment plans for periodontal conditions.
3. Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy
   • Principles of non-surgical periodontal therapy, including scaling and root planing, and local antimicrobial therapy.
   • Techniques for performing non-surgical periodontal treatments and maintaining periodontal health.
4. Surgical Periodontal Therapy
   • Principles of surgical periodontal therapy, including flap surgery, osseous surgery, and guided tissue regeneration.
   • Techniques for performing periodontal surgical procedures and managing post-operative care.
5. Implant Dentistry in Periodontics
   • Principles of implant dentistry, including surgical implant placement, osseointegration, and implant restorations.
   • Techniques for planning, placing, and restoring dental implants in periodontally compromised patients.
6. Periodontal Maintenance and Prevention
   • Principles of periodontal maintenance, including supportive periodontal therapy and recall care.
   • Techniques for preventing periodontal diseases and educating patients on oral hygiene and periodontal health.
7. Periodontal Research
   • Principles of periodontal research, data analysis, and evidence-based practice.
   • Techniques for conducting and evaluating research in periodontics.
8. Clinical Periodontics
   • Real-world experiences in periodontal practice, including patient care, case presentations, and clinical rotations.
   • Application of acquired skills in practical periodontal scenarios.
9. Clinical Periodontology Capstone Project
   • Comprehensive project applying skills in periodontal diagnosis, treatment planning, or surgical procedures.
   • Deliverable of a polished periodontal treatment plan, clinical case presentation, or research study.

Assessment Methods:

Periodontal diagnosis and treatment plans, surgical and non-surgical therapy reports, implant dentistry case studies, periodontal maintenance plans, research methodology projects, clinical case presentations, capstone projects, and clinical evaluations.

Recommended Textbooks:

• "Carranza's Clinical Periodontology" by Newman, Takei, Klokkevold, Carranza.
• "Clinical Periodontology and Implant Dentistry" by Lindhe, Lang, Karring.
• "Periodontics: Medicine, Surgery, and Implants" by Rose, Mealey, Genco, Cohen.
• "Dental Implants: Surgical and Prosthetic Principles" by Misch.
• "Periodontal Maintenance and Prevention" by various authors.
• "Research Methods in Periodontology" by various authors.

Prerequisites:

Completion of a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. Suitable for dental graduates interested in specializing in periodontics.

Program Duration:

Typically 3 years for a certificate or Master of Science (MS) in Periodontology, including coursework, clinical rotations, and research projects.

Certification:

Graduates may earn a certificate or Master of Science (MS) in Periodontology and pursue board certification from the American Board of Periodontology (ABP) or other relevant certifying bodies.

Target Audience:

Aspiring periodontists, dental specialists, and individuals seeking careers in periodontal practices, dental clinics, and academic institutions. This specialization equips students with the clinical, surgical, and research skills needed to excel in clinical periodontology, supporting careers in periodontal practices, dental clinics, and academic institutions.