Introduction: The remit of this working group was to update the existing knowledge base in non-surgical periodontal therapy. The published systematic reviews from the fourth EAP Workshop formed the starting point for this update and in addition specific innovations not covered in previous workshops were included.
Material and methods: The literature was systematically searched and critically reviewed. Five manuscripts were produced in five specific topics identified as areas where innovative approaches have been developed in non-surgical periodontal therapy and which were deemed to be strategically important for patient care and clinical practice.
Results: The results and conclusions of the review process are presented in the following papers, together with the group consensus statements, clinical implications and directions for future research: A systematic review of the effects of full mouth debridement with and without antiseptics in patients with chronic periodontitis. Advances in Power Driven Instrumentation. Laser application in non-surgical periodontal therapy - a systematic review. Antimicrobial therapy in periodontitis: the use of systemic antimicrobials against the subgingival biofilm. The cost-effectiveness of supportive periodontal-care for patients with chronic periodontitis.