Founded in 1961, ASP is a non-profit professional organization concerned with the scientific advancement of and the clinical knowledge in Periodontology.

Its members consist of general dentists, specialist periodontists and dental hygienists, as well as enrolled students in all these professional groups. It has State Branches in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania. 

The Branch Societies hold regular scientific meetings among its members and guests.

The Federal Society holds a biennial scientific conference with the venue rotated among the capital cities of Australia.

It publishes a scientific journal twice a year and pledges support for scientific research through the Australian Periodontology Research Foundation (APRF), and an undergraduate research scholarship scheme.