When you visit a periodontist, you’re entrusting them with not only your smile but your quality of life. That’s why it’s vital that you review their credentials and education before you choose. Adding “board certified” to your list of requirements can help you make the right choice.
Board-certified periodontists commit to enhancing their knowledge and furthering their education to provide the most effective and efficient treatments available to their patients.
All periodontists must complete a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program plus an additional three years of periodontal training. Upon receiving a graduation certificate, these individuals can move into their field and treat patients. However, some periodontists choose to take their education and commitment to their field to the next level: American Board of Periodontology certification.
Bestowed by the American Board of Periodontology (ABP), board certification signifies a commitment to academic and industry growth and a passion for the periodontal craft. Individuals that choose board certification must complete initial written and oral examinations, commit to ongoing continued education, and continue a formal process of self-evaluation. This industry-specific training expands their knowledge and skill set, allowing them to provide patients with the best possible care, and helps ensure that the certificants are consistently performing at the top of their field.
Board-certified periodontists are certified in periodontology as well as dental implant surgery. That means they are highly qualified to identify and treat periodontal disease at various stages of severity using the most recent and effective treatment solutions as well as providing dental implant solutions when teeth are not able to be maintained.
The certification path begins in the early stages of a doctor’s education. All certificants must complete an accredited DDS or DMD program, followed by the completion of a Periodontology program approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
Doctors seeking certification must then engage in a series of practical and oral exams that require a comprehensive understanding of periodontal disease and dental implants, treatment options, and related maintenance procedures and solutions. These exams also validate a candidate’s surgical expertise, specifically as it relates to periodontal and dental implant surgery.
The final part of the board-certification process continues throughout a periodontist’s career. All board-certified individuals must continue their education and consistently pass evaluative exercises in accordance with criteria mandated by the ABP. Individuals who don’t meet these standards are denied certification.
When looking for a periodontist, it’s important to review their educational background and training. The board certification requirements ensure that your doctor has the training necessary to provide effective and often life-changing care.
You can find board-certified periodontists using the ABP’s “Find a Board Certified Periodontist” tool. You can use the tool to search for a specific periodontist or use the zip code field to find one near you.
Dr. Bonacci is the only full time board-certified periodontist in Luzerne County and one of one a few in North Eastern Pennsylvania. His commitment to ongoing education enables him to provide superior care to each of his patients. Call today to schedule your appointment and take control of your oral health.