Periodontist

Duties and Responsibilities: As a periodontist, you'll treat patients who have gum disease and other issues in the gums and bones surrounding the jaw. Your work may be surgical or non-surgical and might include tasks like placing implants, developing treatment plans, and providing preventative care. You may also perform cosmetic procedures, including tissue grafts or reductions to alter the way a person's smile looks. Part of your job might also be to help patients resolve issues like tooth sensitivity. While most dentists work in their own private practices, you might also work in a group practice, clinic, dental school, or hospital.

Salary: $269,000

Education: It takes many years of study to become a periodontist. The journey begins by completing a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology or a related topic and continues with four years of study in dentistry school where a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) degree or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) degree is earned; the dental school must be accredited by the American Dental Association. After dentistry school, a student periodontist completes three additional years of study to specialize in periodontics and receive a Ph.D.

Reflection: I would not like to be a Periodontist because I am not anywhere near interested in this field.