Periodontists

Employment for dentists is expected to grow by 5 percent through 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, about as fast as the average for all careers. All other dentist specialists, such as periodontists, are projected to have 2 percent job growth, slower than average, in the coming years. Like other fields of medicine, periodontal procedures may change over time, which could affect demand. As Americans retain more teeth and live longer, they have more teeth at risk for periodontal disease. Furthermore, as the possible links between chronic periodontal infection and medical diseases become more widely known, people may be more motivated to receive regular periodontal care.

Lasers allow periodontists to perform some surgical procedures with less bleeding, pain, and scarring. Periodontists who use lasers in their practices may attract patients who prefer laser surgery to conventional procedures.

Some periodontists treat tooth loss with dental implants. Many patients are willing to pay out-of-pocket for implants because they want an alternative to wearing a conventional denture or bridge.