It is a branch of dentistry which deals with the study of supporting structures (Periodontium) of the tooth and with the diseases affecting the same. Diseases of the gums are almost seen in all the age groups. This can manifest commonly as bleeding of the gums, known as gingivitis to more severe conditions affecting the supporting bone of the tooth called periodontitis. If this disease is left untreated it leads to loss of tooth.

Periodontics not only deals with natural dentition but also has its responsibility towards the maintenance of health of a dental implant.

Recently the Science of Periodontics has made its entry into the esthetic world where the deformities in the gum structure like gingival recession (deficiency gum tissues), black gums (heavy melanin pigmentation on gums) are corrected to more esthetically appealing contours.

As Periodontology is a clinical subject it starts in the 3rd BDS teaching programme. Third year BDS theory classes are scheduled according to the RGUHS norms and DCI regulations.

In third BDS, students are taught the basic histology, physiology and pathology associated with the periodontal tissues, subsequently in final year they will be taught about diagnosis and management of the same.

The clinical curriculum is designed according to DCI and RGUHS rules and regulations. In the clinics the students are trained in dealing with patients to determine a good diagnosis and treatment plan and also understand infection control. They are also exposed to check department OP along with a post graduate student, assist postgraduate students or staff in their surgical cases.

During their posting they have to complete 40 hand scaling, 10 detailed case history discussions. Their performance is regularly monitored by viva-voce, chapter test and class test. The weaker students thus identified are given additional training.

Regular seminar sessions are held in the department for the undergraduate students.

The program outlines the knowledge on periodontics and the medical specialties in its scope. A minimum of three years of formal training is carried out through a graded system of education and at its completion one should be able to practice basic periodontics competently and have the ability to intelligently pursue further apprenticeship towards advanced periodontal surgery.
The topics are considered as under: