Periodontics is the study of clinical aspects of the supporting structures of the teeth, which includes the gingiva (gums), alveolar bone (jaw), root cementum (tissue covering the root), and the periodontal ligament (supporting tissue of the tooth).  A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in treating diseases of the gingiva and tooth, such as periodontal disease.  If you are a patient, please click here.

The Department of Periodontics/Preventive Dentistry is charged with the didactic and clinical education of first professional students and graduate residents in the entire spectrum of periodontal procedures. Fourth-year first professional dental students are competitive in the periodontics' section of the National Boards, Part II. The pass rate of the Northeast Regional Boards (NERB) in periodontics remains high among seniors who take the NERB.

At the start of this academic year, the department has begun an intensive board preparation course for fourth-year students.  The course is designed to rigorously drill the graduating students in the skills of treatment planning and case presentation, at the same time reinforcing the periodontal/ preventive dentistry knowledge base and skill set.

The three-year residency program has six individuals in training; each resident is a graduate of a U.S. or Canadian dental school.  However, the residents make up a diverse group with cultures and origins from around the world.

A series of research projects is developing in the department.  One such project is Dr. Famili's research showing clinical periodontal attachment loss in men undergoing androgen-deprivation therapy for prostate cancer, for which she received her doctoral degree in epidemiology in December 2005.

Dental Hygiene Program

Professor and Chair

Department of Periodontics/Preventive Dentistry
Pouran Famili, DMD, MPH, PhD
University of Pittsburgh
School of Dental Medicine
B94 Salk Hall
3501 Terrace Street
Pittsburgh, PA. 15261
Phone: (412) 648-8595
Fax: (412) 648-8594
Email: pof@dental.pitt.edu