Periodontist
Dentist specialising in gum disease and in the placement of dental implants.
Overview
A Periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease (a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth also known as gum disease), and in the placement of dental implants.
Where they work
- Dental clinics
- Hospitals
- Private dentistry
- Dental Schools
- Universities and Colleges
Work environment
You are expected to work full time and regular hours. You are likely to work closely with dental hygienists, dental assistants, and office staff. You may be on call 24 hours a day to handle dental emergencies. Entrepreneurship: you can start your own clinic.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You are interested in healing people
- You can determine the procedure of your own work
- You are a careful and organised person
- You can pay attention to details
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry and Biology)
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree (M.B.B.S.) or a B.D.S. (Bachelor's in Dental Surgery)
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree (M.D.S.) in Periodontics and Implantology.
- 2For admissions, you must clear entrance exams such as NEET conducted by NTA, NEET PG conducted by NBE, NEET MDS conducted by NBE, AIAPGET conducted by NTA and so on.
Forms, exams and applications
NEET (conducted by NTA), NEET PG and NEET MDS (conducted by NBE), AIAPGET (conducted by NTA) and similar. Check the official notification for current eligibility and dates.
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
The course is offered by the Department of Dentistry. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
- S.C.B. Dental College & Hospital, Cuttack, Odisha
- Indira Gandhi Government Dental College, Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- ESIC Dental College, Rohini, New Delhi
- Dr. Harvansh Singh Judge Institute of Dental Sciences & Hospital, Chandigarh
- Government Dental College and Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Nair Hospital Dental College, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu
- St Johns Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka
- Guru Nanak Institute of Dental Science & Research, Kolkata, West Bengal
- MS Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka
- Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Faridabad, Haryana
- Army College of Dental Sciences, Secunderabad, Telangana
- KLE VK Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Belgaum, Karnataka
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Intern
- 2Junior Doctor, Periodontics
- 3Periodontist
- 4Hospital/Clinic Owner
- 5Senior Periodontist
- 6Head of Department, Periodontics
Expected income
₹16,000 – ₹60,000 per month as a fresher
These figures are taken from NCS and are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Dentist
Specialist trained to look after oral health — keeping teeth, gums and mouth healthy.
Dento Oral Hygienist
Dental allied professional specialising in oral hygiene, preventive care and dental x-rays.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Science.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to helping people.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Dr. Vipin Mahurkar — A renowned Periodontist with over 20 years of experience. He has studied B.D.S and M.D.S from Nair Hospital Dental College. He currently practices at Implant Master in Borivali West, Mumbai and Synergy Dental Clinics in Borivali West, Mumbai. He is a prominent member of Indian Dental Association, Indian Society of Periodontology and Indian Academy of Osseointegration.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 401 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://bit.ly/3QJgiwa
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.