The Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP) has just launched its latest guidance on the Prevention and Treatment of Periodontal Diseases in Primary Care.  The focus of the guidance is on the prevention and non-surgical treatment of periodontal diseases and implant diseases in primary care.   It includes advices on diagnosis and management of periodontal and implant diseases, record keeping and appropriate referral. The guidance does not cover periodontal surgery, management of patients by periodontal specialists or in a secondary care setting.

The development was based around 20 key clinical questions formulated by the guidance development group related to the scope of the document. Details of the methodology are included in the full guidance document. The guidance is based on existing guidelines, including those from the British Society of Periodontology, relevant systematic reviews, research evidence and the opinion of experts and experienced practitioners.

Recommendations are provided in the following areas:-  

• Assessment and Diagnosis
• Changing Patient Behaviour
• Providing Treatment
• Long Term Maintenance
• Maintaining Dental Implants
• Referral
• Record Keeping

Comment

The full guidance document is well laid out with high quality images.   Each section begins with a number of key recommendations and all recommendations are set within highlighted text boxes. Links to relevant evidence in each section are highlighted with a magnifying glass image. Additional information of the considered judgment of the evidence is provided in the evidence into practice section of the full guidance.

In addition to the full guidance a shorter quick reference guide is also available for download. There are also some additional resources these include a short video which illustrates the use of the Oral Hygiene TIPPS behaviour change strategy to improve patients’ plaque removal together with a visual aid and leaflets for patients in standard and accessible formats.

Links

Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP) website

SDCEP Periodontal Guidance page