American Academy of Periodontology

American Academy of Periodontology: professional organization of periodontists

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is a professional organization made up of 7,500 members dedicated to periodontics, the dental specialty that addresses the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and the supporting structures of the teeth, as well as the surgical placement of dental implants. The organization is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

According to the organization's own presentation, periodontists are dentistry's experts in the treatment of oral inflammation and receive three additional years of specialized training after completing dental school. Periodontics is one of the twelve dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.

Purpose and activity of the Academy

The stated purpose of the AAP is to advance the periodontal and general health of the public and promote excellence in the practice of periodontics. To this end, the organization develops continuing education programs, scientific research, publications, and outreach resources aimed at both professionals and patients.

Education and conferences

The Academy maintains an educational offering that includes an e-learning center, annual meetings, and conferences. Among the confirmed events is the 2026 Annual Meeting. The program also includes Read and Learns, the virtual forum for new periodontists and residents, the Saving Teeth webinar series, and various podcasts. The organization also holds a call for speakers for its meetings.

Research and scientific publications

In the scientific field, the AAP publishes journals and clinical documents accessible to both members and non-members. Its materials include clinical and scientific papers, the AO/AAP 2024 Consensus on Peri-Implant Diseases, the 2017 Disease Classification, and the Best Evidence Consensus (BEC) documents. The organization also accepts abstract submissions.

Resources for professionals and patients

The Academy offers professionals a member resource library, a member directory, the Perio Perks benefits program, the career center, resources on insurance and third-party issues, the LEAD Program, and the Perio Store. It publishes Periospectives magazine and maintains content platforms such as AAP MemberFlix, PerioSphere, and the AAP Blog, along with tutorial videos.

For patients, the organization provides information on what a periodontist is, FAQs, information on gum disease, and on periodontal treatments and procedures. These include the comprehensive periodontal evaluation, surgical and non-surgical procedures, dental implants, and cosmetic procedures. The AAP warns that symptoms of gum disease are often silent and may not appear until advanced stages; it notes that swollen gums or bleeding while brushing or flossing may be signs of this condition. The website includes a patient periodontist finder.

Periodontal education and professional community

The Academy runs specific initiatives for educators, predoctoral students, and postdoctoral residents, with resources such as the list of periodontal programs, the glossary of periodontal terms, 3D educational animations, the ARRive Resident Retreat, the AAP Education Access program, The Match Program, and the periodontal literature reference list. The AAP Dental Hygiene Engagement Initiative completes its outreach activity. The organization has an online community, AAP Connect, and a member directory.

Structure and governance

The AAP provides organizational information about its vision and mission, member categories, newsroom, jobs, leadership, and history, as well as the AAP Foundation and advertising options. The American Board of Periodontology is among the entities linked to its professional field. The organization has corporate sponsors classified in the Signature, Diamond, and Platinum categories.

Location and contact

737 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60611