Gingival Health: Periodontal Assessment

Osteoradionecrosis: Oral Health and Dental Treatment is organized by The American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA).

Accreditation:
CE Credits: 2

Course Description:
In today’s busy dental practice, the dental team’s role in data collection for diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease is extremely important. Periodontal disease affects all patient groups, regardless of age, race or socioeconomic status.

The dental profession has a legal responsibility to recognize and record findings and also to inform and educate the patient regarding this disease and the prognosis it presents. Periodontal disease, when recognized and treated early, can have predicable outcomes.

Early recognition of the clinical symptoms of periodontal disease greatly reduces tooth loss.

A thorough periodontal examination should never be compromised due to time constraints. Adequate time must be provided to collect all necessary clinical data during diagnosis and treatment appointments.

Assessment of periodontal disease in the initial stages can be difficult. The disease itself is insidious and in the beginning stages the patient feels no discomfort. Most patients are truly unaware that they have a problem. Bleeding may be the only symptom that the patient notices, and frequently the patient may consider that to be “normal”.

Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the dental professional should be able to:
• Recognize at least three data items that must be included in the initial data gathering appointment.
• Recite at least five questions that must be asked of the patient during the initial data gathering appointment.
• Demonstrate the ability to record in-depth information onto the patient record.
• List at least eight types of clinical evidence to be observed on the patient’s clinical radiographs.
• Discuss at least two “pitfalls” that might cause limitations on accurate readings when probing the sulcus.
• Explain the four classes of mobility.
• Define the four classes of furcation.

Original Release Date: 2010; Review Date: 2019; Expiration Date: 2022

Additional details will be posted as soon as information is available.