Satish S. Kumar, DMD, MS
|
Periodontist | Dental Implant Surgeon | Oral Medicine Specialist
Satish S. Kumar, DMD, MS is a leading specialist in Periodontics, Dental Implant Surgery, and Oral Medicine. He is one of the few practitioners in the United States to hold three Diplomate certifications from American specialty boards, representing the highest standard of care in his fields:
- Diplomate, American Board of Periodontology (ABP)
- Diplomate, American Board of Oral Medicine (ABOM)
- Diplomate, American Board of Orofacial Pain (ABOP)
arrowheadperio.com
Clinician, Educator,
Researcher & Author
Vice President & Executive Board Member, Western Society of Periodontology
Dr. Kumar received his DMD degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and completed advanced specialty training in periodontics, dental implant surgery, oral medicine, temporomandibular disorders (TMD), and orofacial pain at the Ostrow School of Dentistry of the University of Southern California. He is a board-certified specialist and Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, the American Board of Oral Medicine, and the American Board of Orofacial Pain. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Dentists. Dr. Kumar practices at Arrowhead Periodontics & Dental Implants in Glendale, Arizona, with Dr. Kimble.
In addition to patient care, he is active in teaching and research and currently serves as an adjunct professor at the USC Ostrow School of Dentistry and the Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health at A.T. Still University. His commitment to education and research has been recognized with numerous honors, including the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation's Educator Scholarship, the AAP's Balint Orban Memorial Award for Clinical Research, and the American Academy of Oral Medicine's Lester Burket Memorial Award. His academic work includes more than 75 publications, including original articles, reviews, critical summaries, and book chapters, and he serves as a peer reviewer for high-impact scientific journals in dentistry and medicine.
He is a frequently invited speaker and provides continuing education nationwide on topics including periodontal regeneration, oral-systemic health connections, peri-implant diseases, oral cancer, and oral medicine. Dr. Kumar is also active in many professional organizations and serves on numerous committees at the state and national levels.
Outside of dentistry, Dr. Kumar enjoys books, music, and movies, and he loves playing tennis, spending time with his family, and traveling.
Board Certifications and Expertise
Dr. Kumar's rigorous, multi-specialty training allows him to treat complex cases that integrate periodontal health, surgical placement of dental implants, and oral medicine. His practice is limited to Periodontics, Dental Implant Surgery, and Oral Medicine.
Academic Appointments
After completing 14 years in full-time academia rising to the rank of tenured professor, he serves as Adjunct Professor of Clinical Dentistry at USC and Adjunct Professor at A. T. Still University, Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health.
Professional Leadership
He serves as Vice President and Executive Board Member for the Western Society of Periodontology.
Fellow, American College of Dentists
Dr. Kumar is also a Fellow of the American College of Dentists (ACD), recognizing his outstanding contributions to dental education and research.
Board Certifications
One of the few in the US to hold three Diplomate certifications from American specialty boards.
Triple-Board
Certified Specialist
Dr. Kumar is one of the few practitioners in the United States to hold three Diplomate certifications from American specialty boards — a distinction that reflects the breadth and depth of his clinical training and commitment to excellence.
American Board of
Periodontology
Diplomate
American Board of
Oral Medicine
Diplomate
American Board of
Orofacial Pain
Diplomate
Periodontics
Periodontics is the specialty of dentistry that encompasses the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth or their substitutes and the maintenance of the health, function and esthetics of these structures and tissues.
Oral Medicine
Oral Medicine is the specialty of dentistry responsible for the oral health care of medically complex patients and for the diagnosis and management of medically-related diseases, disorders and conditions affecting the oral and maxillofacial region.
Orofacial Pain
Orofacial Pain is the specialty of dentistry that encompasses the diagnosis, management and treatment of pain disorders of the jaw, mouth, face, head and neck. The specialty of Orofacial pain is dedicated to the evidenced-based understanding of the underlying pathophysiology, etiology, prevention, and treatment of these disorders and improving access to interdisciplinary patient care.
Specialized Clinical Focus
Dr. Kumar's practice is limited to three specialized areas to provide the highest level of focused care.
Periodontics
A comprehensive periodontal practice is dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, and management of diseases affecting the supporting structures of the teeth, with an emphasis on long-term stability and preservation of the natural dentition. Care begins with a thorough periodontal evaluation, including detailed clinical charting, radiographic assessment, and individualized risk analysis that considers systemic and behavioral factors. Non-surgical therapies such as scaling and root planing, antimicrobial strategies, and supportive periodontal maintenance form the foundation of care. When indicated, advanced surgical procedures are utilized to restore periodontal health and architecture, including osseous surgery, periodontal regeneration, and soft tissue grafting for root coverage and tissue augmentation. The goal is to not only control disease but to re-establish a healthy, functional, and maintainable periodontal environment that supports overall oral and systemic health.
Dental Implant Surgery
Dental implant surgery is approached with a prosthetically driven and biologically guided philosophy, ensuring that each implant is placed to optimize both function and long-term success. Treatment planning is comprehensive and includes clinical evaluation, radiographic and CBCT analysis, and assessment of bone volume, soft tissue quality, and occlusion. The full scope of implant care is provided, including site development through ridge preservation, bone grafting, and sinus augmentation where necessary. Implant placement ranges from single-tooth to full-arch rehabilitation, with consideration for immediate placement and provisionalization in appropriate cases. Equally important is the long-term maintenance of implants, including monitoring and management of peri-implant tissues to prevent and treat complications such as peri-implantitis. This integrated approach ensures predictable outcomes and durable, esthetic restorations.
Oral Medicine
Oral medicine focuses on the diagnosis and non-surgical management of complex oral health conditions, particularly those that intersect with systemic health. This includes the evaluation of oral mucosal diseases, salivary gland disorders, oral manifestations of systemic illnesses, and chronic orofacial pain conditions. A meticulous diagnostic approach often involves biopsy, salivary assessment, and collaboration with medical specialists supports accurate diagnosis and individualized care. Conditions commonly managed include immune-mediated disorders such as lichen planus and pemphigoid, xerostomia and salivary dysfunction, and medication-related complications including osteonecrosis of the jaw. There is also a strong emphasis on early detection, risk assessment, and management of oral cancer and precancerous lesions.
In addition to diagnosis and medical management, the practice includes key procedural interventions such as biopsy procedures (including soft tissue and hard tissue biopsies), intralesional injections (for example, corticosteroid therapy), and both palliative and definitive therapeutic management of mucosal diseases. Care is often delivered in coordination with a multidisciplinary team, including oncology, rheumatology, and otolaryngology (ENT) to ensure comprehensive management of complex or systemically influenced conditions. The goal of oral medicine care is to provide clarity in diagnosis and effective, evidence-based management of conditions that are often chronic, multifactorial, and medically complex.
Publications and
Research
Dr. Kumar's rigorous postgraduate training in Clinical Research Design and Management from USC, coupled with specialized certificates in Evidence-Based Dentistry (EBD) review, places him at the forefront of scientifically grounded patient care. His expertise in conducting and publishing systematic reviews and meta-analyses means he is uniquely qualified to critically appraise all available clinical research, distinguishing the best available evidence from misleading or incomplete data. This comprehensive understanding ensures that every patient he treats benefits from the most current, effective, and scientifically validated protocols, making him an excellent clinician committed to applying the highest standards of evidence-based practice. Dr. Kumar serves as a highly active contributor and reviewer in dental and medical literature. He has authored over 75 publications including original research articles, reviews, critical summaries and book chapters in definitive texts.
His peer-reviewed articles cover topics such as:
Abt E, Kumar S, Weyant R. Periodontal disease and medical maladies: What do we really know? The J Am Dent Assoc. 2022 Jan;153(1):9-13. DOI: 10.1016/j.adaj.2021.08.014 PMID: 34861990
Liu Y, Shah N, Summersgill K, Kumar S. History of dysplasia and primary site associated with recurrence in T1N0 oral squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2021 Jul;132(1):66-71. DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2021.02.018 PMID: 34020919
Franstve-Hawley J, Kumar S, Rindal DB, Weyant RJ, Rindal B. Implementation Science and Periodontal Practice: Translation of Evidence into Periodontology. Periodontol 2000. 2020 Oct;84(1):188-201. doi: 10.1111/prd.12336. PMID: 32844415
Laudenbach J, Kumar S. Common Dental and Periodontal Diseases. Dermatol. Clin. 2020 Oct;38(4):413-420. PMID: 32892850
Kumar S, Mohamad H, Kar K. Management of Cyclosporine-Influenced Gingival Enlargement with Azithromycin. Clin Adv Periodontics. 2020 Sep;10(3):140-144. doi: 10.1002/cap.10097. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 32074404
Roszhart J, Kumar S, Allareddy V, Childs CA, Elangovan S. Spin in Abstracts of Randomized Controlled Trials in Dentistry – A Cross-Sectional Analysis. The Journal of the American Dental Association. 2019 Nov 18:26-32.e3. doi: 10.1016/j.adaj.2019.08.009. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 31748148
Kumar S. Evidence-based Update on Diagnosis and Management of Gingivitis and Periodontitis. Dent Clin North Am. 2019 Jan;63(1):69-81 PMID: 30447793
Kumar S, Mohamad H, Vora H, Kar K. Reporting Quality of Randomized Controlled Trials of Periodontal Diseases in Journal Abstracts – A Cross-Sectional Survey and Bibliometric Analysis. J Evidence Based-Dental Practice. Volume 18, Issue 2, June 2018, Pages 130-141.e22 PMID: 29747793
Patel SB, Kumar S, Laudenbach J, Teruel A. Mucocutaneous Diseases – Lichen Planus, Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid and Pemphigus Vulgaris. Journal of the California Dental Association. September 2016. Vol.44; No.9: 561-70 PMID: 28742296
Chadha G, Ahmediah A, Kumar S, Sedghizadeh PP. Osseointegration of Dental Implants and Osteonecrosis of the Jaw in Patients Treated with Bisphosphonate Therapy: A Systematic Review. Journal of Oral Implantology. 2013 Aug; 39(4):510-20. PMID: 23964780
Patel SB, Kumar S. Myofascial Pain Secondary to Medication-induced Bruxism. The Journal of the American Dental Association. 2012; 143(10): e67-e69. PMID: 23024316
Patel SB, Boros AL, Kumar S. Atypical Odontalgia – An Update. Journal of the California Dental Association. September 2012. Vol.40; No.9: 739-747. PMID: 23097829
Kumar S. Medication Nonadherence: A Role for the Dental Professional. Journal of the California Dental Association. August 2012. Vol. 40; No.8: 663-668. PMID: 22953525
Patel SB, Choyee S, Uyanne J, Nguyen AL, Lee P, Sedghizadeh PP, Kumar S, Lytle J, Shi S, Le AD. Non-exposed Bisphosphonate Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: A Critical review of Current Definition, Staging and Treatment Guidelines. Oral Diseases. 2012 Oct;18(7):625-632. PMID: 22420684
Kumar S, Ram S, Navazesh M. Salivary Gland and Associated Complications in Head and Neck Cancer Therapy. Journal of the California Dental Association. September 2011. Vol. 39; No.9: 639-647. PMID: 22034798
Ram S, Kumar S, Navazesh M. Management of Xerostomia and Salivary Gland Hypofunction. Journal of the California Dental Association. September 2011. Vol. 39; No.9: 656-659. PMID: 22034800
Navazesh M, Mulligan R, Kono N, Kumar S, Nowicki M, Alves M, Mack WJ. Oral and Systemic Health Correlates of HIV-1 Shedding in Saliva. Journal of Dental Research. October 2010 89: 1074-1079. doi:10.1177/0022034510375290. PMID: 20671205
Kumar S, Gorur A, Schaudin C, Shuler CF, Costerton JW, Sedghizadeh PP. The Role of Biofilms in Osteonecrosis of the Jaw. Current Osteoporosis Reports. March 2010; 8(1): 40-48. PMID: 20425090
Sedghizadeh PP, Kumar S, Gorur A, Schaudin C, Shuler CF, Costerton JW. Microbial Biofilms in Osteomyelitis of the Jaw and Osteonecrosis of the Jaw Secondary to Bisphosphonate Therapy. The Journal of the American Dental Association. 2009; 140: 1259-1265. PMID: 19797556
Navazesh M, Kumar S. Xerostomia: Prevalence, Diagnosis, and Management. Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry. 2009 Jul-Aug; 30(6):326-8, 331-2; quiz 333-4. PMID: 19715009
Navazesh M, Kumar S. Measuring salivary flow: Challenges and opportunities. The Journal of the American Dental Association. Supplement: Saliva and Oral Health. 2008 May; 139: 35S-40S. PMID: 18460678
Sedghizadeh PP, Kumar S, Gorur A, Schaudin C, Shuler CF, Costerton JW. Identification of Microbial Biofilms in Osteonecrosis of the Jaws Secondary to Bisphosphonate Therapy. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 2008 Apr; 66(4): 767-75. PMID: 18355603
Kumar S, Shuler CF, Sedghizadeh PP, Kalmar JR. Oral Mucosal Melanoma with Unusual Clinicopathologic Features. Journal of Cutaneous Pathology 2008 Apr; 35(4):392-7. PMID: 18333900
Sedghizadeh PP, Kumar S, Gorur A, Mastin C, Boros AL. Toxic epidermal necrolysis with a rare long-term oral complication requiring surgical intervention. Oral Surgery Oral Medicine Oral Pathology Oral Radiology and Endodontology. 2008 Apr; 105(4):e29-33. PMID: 18329565
Liu L, Kumar S, Sedghizadeh PP, Jayakar AN, Shuler CF. Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Incidence by Subsite among Diverse Racial and Ethnic Populations in California. Oral Surgery Oral Medicine Oral Pathology Oral Radiology and Endodontology. April 2008. Vol. 105, Issue 4, Pages 470-480. PMID: 18206397
Kumar S, Dhyllon A, Sedghizadeh PP. Indurated Tongue Lesion - Diagnostic Challenge. The Journal of the American Dental Association. 2008 Feb; 139(2):159-61. PMID: 18245683
Kumar S, Meru M, Sedghizadeh PP. Osteonecrosis of the jaw's secondary to bisphosphonate therapy: a case series. J Contemporary Dental Practice. 2008 January; (9)1: 063-069. PMID: 18176650
Ismail ST, Kumar S, Zain RB. Oral Lichen Planus and Lichenoid Reactions – Etiopathogenesis, Diagnosis, Management and Malignant Transformation. Journal of Oral Science, June 2007. Vol. 42; No.2: 89-106. PMID: 17634721
Kumar S, Ram S, Jorgensen MG, Shuler CF, Sedghizadeh PP. Multicentric peripheral ossifying fibroma. Journal of Oral Science. Dec 2006, 48(4): 239-243. PMID: 17220623
Kumar S. Alveolar Ridge Preservation At Molar Extraction Sites May Lessen Ridge Changes and Augmentation Needs. Journal of Evidence-Based Dental Practice. Volume 26, Issue 2, 2026, 10223. DOI: 10.1016/j.jebdp.2026.102231
Patel A, Kumar S. Did the COVID-19 pandemic impact antibiotic prescribing patterns among dentists? Evid Based Dent 25, 208–210 (2024). PMID: 39567671
Kumar S, Shlossman M. Does e-cigarette use affect response to non-surgical periodontal therapy? Evid Based Dent. 2023 Dec;24(4):179-180. PMID: 37872276
Kumar S. Is there any association between genetically predicted periodontitis and ischemic stroke? Evid Based Dent 24, 66–68 (2023). PMID: 37165060
Kumar S. How does the novel piezoelectric 11 Gracey Curette compare to Gracey Curette or piezoelectric scaler? Evid Based Dent. 2022 Sep;23(3):108-109. DOI: 10.1038/s41432-022-0273-4
Kumar S. Can probiotics stop oral cancer progression? Evid Based Dent. 2022 Mar;23(1):22-23. DOI: 10.1038/s41432-022-0234-y
Kumar S. Could the oral cavity be a target organ in SARS-CoV-2 infection? Evid Based Dent. 2021 Jan; 22(2):78-79. DOI: 10.1038/s41432-021-0169-z
Kumar S. How do primary care doctors compare to dentists in the referral of oral cancer? Evid Based Dent. 2021 Jan; 22(3):94-95. DOI: 10.1038/s41432-021-0198-7
Antetomaso J, Kumar S. Survival rate of delayed implants placed in healed extraction sockets is significantly higher than that of immediate implants placed in fresh extraction sockets. J Evid Base Dent Pract. March 2018: 76-78. PMID: 29478685
Tu V, Kumar S. Limited evidence suggests alveolar ridge preservation is more favorable than unassisted socket healing in minimizing alveolar ridge dimensional changes after extraction. J Evid Base Dent Pract. March 2018: 85-87. PMID: 29478688
Kumar S, Madurantakam P. Topical intra-pocket anesthetic gel reduces the risk and intensity of pain during periodontal scaling and root planing and probing. Evid Based Dent. 2017 Dec 22;18(4):111-112. doi: 10.1038/sj.ebd.6401271. PMID: 29269814
Kumar S, Madurantakam P. Limited, heterogeneous evidence shows short-term benefit of probiotics (L. reuteri) when used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. Evid Based Dent. 2017 Dec 22;18(4):109-110. doi: 10.1038/sj.ebd.6401270. PMID: 29269825
Madurantakam P, Kumar S. Fixed and removable orthodontic retainers and periodontal health. Evid Based Dent. 2017 Dec 22;18(4):103-104. doi:10.1038/sj.ebd.6401267. PMID: 29269822
Madurantakam P, Kumar S. Are there more adverse effects with lingual orthodontics? Evid Based Dent. 2017 Dec 22;18(4):101-102. doi: 10.1038/sj.ebd.6401266. PMID: 29269824
Kumar S. Little difference between triclosan and stannous fluoride dentifrices on gingival inflammation. Evid Based Dent. 2015 Mar;16(1):13-14. doi:10.1038/sj.ebd.6401076. PMID: 25909932
Kumar S. Extra-Oral Endodontic Treatment Not Detrimental for Avulsed Permanent Teeth Replanted After More Than 60 Minutes Dry Time. The Journal of the American Dental Association. 2010;141;1467-1469. DOI link
Kumar S, Byrne G. Some Evidence Shows That Certain Mouthrinses Can Reduce Halitosis. The Journal of the American Dental Association. 2010 August; 141:1008-1009. PMID: 20675427
Kumar S. Survival between short- and conventional-rough-surface dental implants in partially or totally edentulous patients is not different. Published on 06/21/2010. No external link available
Kumar S. Limited evidence suggests that starting the use of fluoride toothpastes in children under 12 months of age increases risk of dental fluorosis. Published on 05/11/2010. No external link available
Kumar S. Fluoride toothpastes prevent dental caries in children and adolescents. Published on 04/15/2010. No external link available
Kumar S. Allergy to natural rubber latex is prevalent among healthcare workers. Published on 03/11/2010. No external link available
Book Chapters
Dr. Kumar has contributed chapters to definitive clinical texts published by Springer, Wiley-Blackwell, and the American Dental Association.
Chapters
Treatment Planning In Implant Dentistry
Graftless Solutions for the Edentulous Patient
How to Use Evidence-Based Dental Practices to Improve Clinical Decision-Making
Orofacial Pain: A Guide to Medications and Management
Speaking and
Education Topics
Dr. Kumar is available for Continuing Dental Education (CDE) courses and lectures on topics including:
Periodontics & Dental Implants
Oral Medicine
Evidence-Based Health Care
Please contact Dr. Kumar for speaking invitations at email@satishkumardmd.com.
Invite Dr. Kumar to SpeakRecognition & Distinctions
Fellow, American College of Dentists (ACD)
Recognizing outstanding contributions to dental education and the profession
Balint Orban Memorial Research Program Award
Orban Competition – Clinical Science, American Academy of Periodontology
AAP Foundation Fellowship
American Academy of Periodontology Foundation Fellowship to the ADEA/AAL Institute for Teaching and Learning in the Health Professions
AAP Foundation Educator Scholarship Award
American Academy of Periodontology Foundation (AAPF) Educator Scholarship Award
Lester Burket Memorial Award
Clinical Research Category, American Academy of Oral Medicine
AAP Outstanding Teaching and Mentoring Awards
American Academy of Periodontology Outstanding Teaching and Mentoring Awards in Periodontics
Journal Reviewer, Memberships & Engagement
Dr. Kumar is recognized as a Top Reviewer for the Evidence-Based Dentistry Journal and serves as a reviewer for numerous publications. View acknowledgement →
Dr. Kumar maintains an active role in academia, ensuring his clinical practice is informed by the latest scientific evidence. After completing 14 years in full-time academia rising to the rank of tenured professor, he serves as Adjunct Professor of Clinical Dentistry at USC and Adjunct Professor at A. T. Still University, Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health.
Dr. Kumar maintains active membership in key national, regional, and specialty dental organizations, demonstrating his commitment to lifelong learning and engagement within the dental community. This involvement ensures he remains current with best practices, regulatory changes, and emerging research in his fields.
Public Health Service
Dr. Kumar is honored to serve part-time as a periodontist and oral medicine specialist at River People Health Center in Scottsdale, providing compassionate, advanced care to patients of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. With a focus on prevention, education, and personalized treatment, Dr. Kumar helps patients protect their oral health while respecting the needs, values, and traditions of Native American families. His services include comprehensive periodontal evaluations, advanced periodontal surgical procedures for treatment of gum disease, gum grafting, bone grafting, and the evaluation and management of oral lesions, mouth ulcers, dry mouth, oral infections, and oral health concerns related to medical conditions or medications. Through thoughtful, patient-centered care, Dr. Kumar is committed to supporting long-term oral health, overall wellness, and confident smiles.
Serving Those Who
Need It Most
Dr. Kumar is dedicated to giving back through education and specialized care. As a Volunteer Clinical Instructor and Attending Periodontist at The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Virginia G. Piper Dental Clinic in Phoenix, he mentors residents in the AEGD Residency Program. This role involves supervising and training the next generation of dentists while providing essential, high-quality periodontal and oral health services to underserved patients in the community.
Contact & Location
For appointments, referrals, or speaking inquiries, reach us directly at Arrowhead Periodontics & Dental Implants.
18555 N. 79th Ave., Suite B-106
Glendale, AZ 85308