Description

The GDS terms of service relating to the dental examination include the following statements: 1a. Clinical examination, advice, charting (including assessment and recording of any malocclusion and monitoring of periodontal status) 1b. Extensive clinical examination, advice, charting (including charting of periodontal status) and report. Sources at the Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland state that cases relating to untreated/undiagnosed periodontal disease have seen a large increase in recent years, as patients become more interested and educated with regard to the healthcare they receive. It is therefore essential, in order to avoid such problems, that a quick and simple method of recording periodontal condition be employed during routine dental examinations. This usually takes the form of a CPITN screening (Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs). The CPITN screening allows identification of any periodontal problems which may exist and may be followed up by a more comprehensive periodontal examination should it be required.