Periodontology

The Division of Periodontology produces graduates with advanced specialty training in the surgical and non-surgical treatment of periodontal disease, especially for patients who are medically compromised. The program is a full-time course of study consisting of clinical, research, and didactic components. The goal of the program is to prepare individuals for careers in either academic periodontology or private specialty practice.

Division Chief: Dr. Mohanad Al-Sabbagh

Patient Care

UK Dentistry has providers who specialize in the treatment of periodontal (gum) disease, periodontal graft surgery, periodontal plastic surgery, laser treatment, and replacing missing teeth with dental implants. UK College of Dentistry faculty members have extensive experience treating medically compromised patients. Residents (doctors who have completed dental school but are continuing their training) are supervised by expert faculty. Payment plans available for select services. Visit our patient care/dental clinic section for more information

Faculty, Residents & Externs

Full-Time Faculty

Dr. Mohanad Al-Sabbagh, DDS, MS, Division Chief of Periodontology 
Dr. Dolphus R. Dawson III, DMD, MS, MPH, Program Director of Graduate Periodontology
Dr. Marcelo Mattos
Dr. Pratishtha Mishra
Dr. Luciana Shaddox, DDS, MS, PhD

Part-Time Faculty

Dr. Brittany Camenisch
Dr. Elliot Neuman

Residents
Dr. Bridget Faltas
Dr. Shelby Maurice 
Dr. Emil Liakhovetski
Dr. Monica Yacoub
 
Extern
 
 

Educational Emphasis

The didactic component consists of seminars and coursework in a variety of subjects including periodontal biology and pathology, periodontal therapy, implantology and biomaterials, management of medically compromised patients, conscious sedation, and epidemiology. A strong emphasis is placed on evidence-based decision-making and the program has a repository of evidence-based diagnostic and treatment protocols that are used in the delivery of patient care. Graduate students document and present their cases in a formal case presentation/treatment planning seminars.  The case analysis and defense exercises are patterned after the oral examination of the American Board of Periodontology.

In keeping with the philosophy of the College of Dentistry, the collegial atmosphere of the program encourages close contact with the faculty. The program has a rich heritage, and graduates have gone on to positions of importance in the specialty. During the 1960’s, the program was one of the most progressive and innovative in the country, and in the mid-1980’s was one of the first to offer formal coursework in implantology. This heritage of innovation continues as current graduate students are exposed to a wide range of therapeutic modalities, including regenerative therapy, implantology and sinus augmentation.

Clinical Experiences

The program is especially strong in the areas of management of medically compromised patients, implant surgery, conscious sedation, and cosmetic surgery. Residents place numerous implants, as well as performing sinus augmentations and a wide range of periodontal surgical procedures. There are numerous opportunities for multidisciplinary interaction with other dental and medical clinicians.

There is a rotation on anesthesiology, and all graduate students are required to become ACLS-certified.

Close cooperation with colleagues in other disciplines (orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, prosthodontics, otolaryngology, biomedical engineering) is encouraged, as are interdisciplinary seminars and educational opportunities.

News

Facilities

The Resident Periodontics clinic is located on the fourth floor of the Dental Science Building, 770 Rose Street, Lexington.

The clinic complex is state-of-the-art and well-equipped, and consists of nine treatment rooms, a sterilization area, and reception areas. Each treatment room has its own computer terminal, with access to our computerized risk assessment technology and images. The college has digitized radiology services (including a Cone-Beam CT unit). A large variety of other instruments and materials is available for use (e.g., Laser unit Periolase 7, piezosurgery unit).

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