Update on prevention and management of periodontal diseases ...

The recent Dentistry Show held in Birmingham featured a number of symposia presenting the latest thoughts in patient management and treatment modalities.

A session reviewing the latest trends in evidence-based prevention and management of periodontal disease was presented by Anousheh Alavi, Colgate Scientific Affairs. This session provided an overall perspective for an integrated team-based approach, with particular reference to dental hygienists and therapists, discussed the evidence base and highlighted gaps in our clinical practice.  This could impact on the delivery of optimised prevention and care. 

Anousheh began by revisiting subgingival plaque and the characteristics of Biofilms, highlighting it is the particular composition of subgingival plaque biofilm in a susceptible patient which determines whether gingivitis progresses to periodontitis. She went on to briefly discuss a patient based approach to the management of periodontitis, and reviewed the merits of engaging the whole dental team. The General Dental Council publication Scope of practice1 sets out the skills and abilities each registrant group would bring to benefit the patient. In addition, the GDC Principles of dental team working2 document includes a section on working effectively as a team.