A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, the placement and maintenance of dental implants, treatment of oral inflammation, and performing cosmetic periodontal procedures. They receive an additional three years of training beyond dental school.

During the first visit, Dr. Allison Tran reviews the patients complete medical and dental histories. Additional radiographs may be needed to fully assess a patients periodontal condition. It is extremely important to know if any medications are being taken or if the patient is being treated for any condition that can affect periodontal care, such as heart disease, diabetes, or pregnancy.

Some patients periodontal needs can be managed by their general dentist. However, as more and more patients are exhibiting signs of periodontal disease, and the relationship between periodontal disease and other chronic diseases of aging, periodontal treatment may necessitate a greater understanding and increased level of expertise by a trained specialist. Patients who present with moderate or severe levels of periodontal disease, or patients with more complex cases, will be best managed by a partnership between the patients dentist and periodontist.

Dr. Tran was raised in the Midwest. She received her B.A. in Biology from the University of Kansas, and then earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2004 from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. She taught general dentistry at the school and went into private practice for two years before entering a periodontal residency program at the same institution. She graduated in 2008 with her Certificate in Periodontics.

In May of 2010, Dr. Tran was awarded Diplomate status from the American Board of Periodontologyan achievement beyond the mandatory educational requirement of the specialty. Dr. Tran has been practicing for 10 years and is current in all of the latest state-of-the-art technologies. She is an active member of the American Dental Association, Hawaii Dental Association, Honolulu County Dental Society, American Academy of Periodontology, the American Board of Periodontology, and the Terry Tanaka Study Club.