Knowledge In Action
New Perio Classification: Are We Keeping Up?
A Swedish study reveals challenges and opportunities in implementing the 2018 system.
Welcome back to our monthly series – Knowledge in Action: Evidence-Based Insights for BC Dental Hygienists. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between research and practice by providing you with accessible summaries of relevant and timely research findings.
Key Findings
New Perio Classification System Implementation
This month, we review some of the common challenges associated with implementing the 2018 periodontal and peri-implant disease classification system. We will take lessons from this study among Swedish dental hygienists.
While the new system offers benefits in diagnosis and treatment planning, this study highlights a few key takeaways:
- Majority use, but with uncertainty: A significant proportion of Swedish dental hygienists in the study are using the new classification system, but many expressed a lack of confidence in applying it.
- Complexity is a barrier: The complexity of the system and potential time constraints in clinical practice were noted as challenges to successful implementation.
- The need for support: The study reinforces the importance of ongoing training and potentially the use of digital tools to support accurate and efficient use of the new system.
