Average Periodontist Salary in California
Percentile Wage Estimates for Periodontist
Periodontist Salary in California
Pursuing a career in periodontics can help an individual drive both professional fulfilment and lucrative compensation, especially in California. Periodontists are dental professionals who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gum diseases and the placement of dental implants, and are in demand across the country. California, in the recent years, has evolved into a hotspot for dental professionals, especially periodontists, due to its high population, rising awareness of oral health, and a large number of private dental practices.
Periodontist salary in California leads with an annual compensation of around $369,000, which can be further translated to about $30,750 monthly and $192 per hour. These figures are significantly higher than the national average and reflect the high demand for specialized dental services in the state.
Periodontist Salary in Other USA States
| States | Average Monthly Salary | Average Annual Salary | Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $26,000 | $312,000 | $162/hour |
| New York | $17,250 | $207,000 | $108/hour |
| Florida | $21,417 | $257,000 | $134/hour |
With approximately 27 open job opportunities across California and more than 30 vacancies nationwide, the competition in this respective field is moderate but also focused. California has a large patient population and a concentration of dental care centers that have been creating ample employment opportunities and demand for skilled professionals. This has been fueling the rise in the periodontist income in California.
Dentists who earn a sub-specialization in periodontics may benefit from various professional settings, including high-end private dental clinics, multidisciplinary dental practices, cosmetic dentistry centres, research institutions and academic dental schools. In California, where there is rising awareness and appeal for cosmetic procedures and overall wellness, the demand for periodontists is expected to rise further. This makes the state an ideal environment for periodontists looking to expand their practice, collaborate with established clinics, or contribute to academic and research advancements in periodontal care.
Periodontists' Salary Trends in California, USA
As of January 1, 2025, the average periodontist salary in California is around $369,000, with a typical range of $247K–$490K. Earnings generally climb significantly with experience—starting near $247K then rising to $490K+ for seasoned professionals. The trend shows steady growth.
Periodontist’s Roles and Responsibilities
Periodontists are dental specialists focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease, as well as the placement and maintenance of dental implants. Their expertise lies in managing the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gums, alveolar bone, and periodontal ligament which play a crucial role in overall oral health.
Due to the advanced nature of their procedures, periodontists typically receive an additional three years of specialty training after dental school, equipping them with the clinical skills required for both surgical and non-surgical periodontal care. Key responsibilities include:
- ●Diagnosing and treating gum disease
- Periodontists treat conditions ranging from mild gingivitis to advanced periodontitis, often using a combination of clinical evaluation, probing, and digital imaging.
- ●Non-surgical periodontal therapy
- This includes scaling and root planing, also known as deep cleaning, to remove plaque and calculus from below the gumline.
- ●Surgical procedures
- Periodontists routinely perform gum grafts, flap surgery, and crown lengthening to restore or reshape gum tissue and improve both health and aesthetics.
- ●Dental implant placement and maintenance
- As implant specialists, periodontists assess bone density, perform bone grafting when needed, and place single or multiple implants with precision. They also manage peri-implantitis and long-term implant care.
- ●Laser-assisted treatments
- Many periodontists use minimally invasive laser technology for soft tissue procedures, reducing patient discomfort and recovery time.
- ●Collaboration with general dentists and specialists
- Periodontists often work closely with prosthodontists, oral surgeons, and restorative dentists to deliver integrated treatment plans for complex cases.
Given the technical complexity and increasing demand for implantology and cosmetic gum procedures, periodontists in California are regarded as key contributors to both functional rehabilitation and aesthetic smile design.
Periodontist Work Settings in California
Periodontists in California are allowed to practice across a diverse range of settings. While many manage their private practices or collaborate with general dentists in shared clinics. Group practices are also common; this work setting offers them a collaborative environment where periodontists work alongside orthodontists, oral surgeons, and prosthodontists to ensure comprehensive care for the patients.
Academic institutions are also always open with opportunities for those who are interested in teaching and research, while hospital dental departments offer roles for treating complex cases requiring interdisciplinary treatment plans. Urban centers such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego present the most intense numbers of opportunities, thanks to their higher patient volumes and more affluent populations.
The future for periodontists looks promising, with a steady rise in the periodontists’ income in California. As the population ages and awareness of oral-systemic health connections increases, demand for periodontal treatment continues to grow. There is also increasing awareness towards digital dentistry and minimally invasive techniques which have been proven to increase the efficiency and appeal of periodontal treatments. Dentists who stay updated with new tools, such as CAD/CAM technologies and regenerative techniques, are often seen making higher salaries.
Periodontists who have diversified their practice by adding cosmetic procedures, collaborating with prosthodontists, or investing in multiple clinic locations can expect higher periodontist earnings in California.
Also Read: Differences Between Periodontists and Endodontists
Reasons for Increasing Periodontists' Income in California
- ●High Earning Potential
- California offers one of the highest periodontist salaries in the country. Dental practitioners with strong patient management skills, surgical expertise, and advanced training in implantology can command even higher salaries.
- ●Diverse Patient Demographics
- With a culturally diverse population, periodontists in California experience a wide range of periodontal cases, contributing to an enriching professional experience.
- ●Advanced Technology
- Many clinics in the state are equipped with the latest periodontal and implantology tools, such as digital imaging systems, laser-assisted periodontal therapy, and AI-driven diagnostics.
- ●Lifestyle Benefits
- The state’s pleasant climate, access to nature, cultural activities, and vibrant cities make California an attractive place to settle long-term.
Choosing a periodontics career in California offers an optimal blend of high income, professional growth, and lifestyle satisfaction. With competitive average monthly salaries, modern work environments, and strong demand for services, California remains one of the best states for practicing periodontal dentistry. For those seeking a dynamic and financially rewarding dental specialty, periodontics in California delivers on every front.
Hire Smiles – Your Trusted Partner in Hiring California’s Top Periodontists
Are you seeking skilled and dedicated periodontists in California to strengthen your dental team? As a trusted periodontist recruitment agency, Hire Smiles specializes in connecting dental practices and DSOs with top-performing periodontal professionals who deliver both clinical excellence and patient-centered care.
With deep knowledge of the dental landscape in California, we understand the growing demand and competitive salaries for periodontists. Our targeted recruitment strategies help you find the right specialist—someone who aligns with your practice philosophy, brings expertise in advanced periodontal procedures, and enhances your patient outcomes. Let Hire Smiles help you build a world-class periodontal team. Contact us today at +1 (888) 533-4989 or email info@hiresmiles.com to get started.