Periodontist

Duties and Responsibilities: A periodontist specializes in the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease, and in the replacement of dental implants. They work with oral problems such as severe gum disease or do medical procedures for the placement and repair of dental implants. They also do cosmetic procedures which alter the way a person’s smile looks.

Salary: 168,000

Periodontists earn bachelor's degrees in chemistry, biology or a related topic, and then attend a dental school accredited by the American Dental Association, obtaining a DDS, a Doctor of Dental Surgery, or DMD, a Doctor of Dental Medicine, degree. A periodontist then must complete three years of specialty education at an American Dental Association-approved graduate/residency program.