American Academy of Periodontology

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is an association composed of 8,000 dental professionals who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gum disease and supporting structure disease and of dental implants. Current membership boasts periodontists and general dentists from all over the US and around the globe.

Founded in 1914 by Dr. Gillette Hayden and Dr. Grace Roger Spalding, the AAP was originally dubbed the American Academy of Oral Prophylaxis and Periodontology, an organization of 18 charter members. In 1967 the American Academy of Periodontology merged with the American Society of Periodontists and is now located in Illinois, directly abutting the American Dental Association.

The mission of the American Academy of Periodontology is to "advocate, educate, and set standards for advancing the periodontal and general health of the public and promoting excellence in the practice of periodontics."