A comparison study: Periodontal practice approach of dentists and dental hygienists

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate periodontal practice methods of dentists and dental hygienists to compare their knowledge and treatment approach in managing periodontal disease.

Methods: An electronic survey was designed to assess and capture three aspects of data: (a) knowledge of periodontics; (b) practice approaches in non-surgical periodontal therapy; and (c) factors affecting clinical care. The survey was distributed to dentists and dental hygienists who graduated from the same dental school within 5 years (2012-2016). Results were analysed by chi-square test, Fisher's exact test and logistic regression model.

Results: Out of total 117 participants, 111 of them reported their profession (n = 77 in the dental programme, n = 34 in the dental hygiene programme). The results showed no statistical difference in basic periodontal knowledge between dentists and dental hygienists (P = .12). Only 13% of the surveyed population identified appropriate recall intervals for periodontal maintenance and more dental hygienists reported periodontal re-evaluations being performed within their offices compared with dentists (91% vs 70%, P = .02). Almost half of the participants who reportedly performed periodontal re-evaluations (46%) charged for the re-evaluation procedure, despite it not being covered by dental insurance. More hygienists reported being familiar with and performing adjunct therapy compared to dentists in the study (P < .01).

Conclusion: In general, dentists and hygienists in the study were found to have similar periodontal knowledge and practice approaches. However, differences in performing periodontal re-evaluation and adjunct therapy were significant. Further studies are needed to investigate clinical barriers that impact evidence-based periodontal care.