New digital resource provides the latest clinical guidelines for the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease
Most people in the UK experience periodontal (gum) disease in the form of gingivitis or, more seriously, periodontitis at some point. In newly updated clinical guidance published today, NHS Education for Scotland’s (NES) Dental Clinical Effectiveness Program brings together the latest advice on the classification and treatment of periodontal disease into one digital resource.
The second edition of ‘Prevention and Treatment of Periodontal Disease in Primary Care’ is based on the best available evidence using SDCEP’s NICE accredited methodology. The guidance outlines the principles of periodontal care, patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment and long-term care and provides clear and practical recommendations and advice to support dental teams working with patients to maintain or improve gum health .
For the first time, SDCEP presents this guidance to an expert Website to aid accessibility, navigation and information. Various tools are also available to support implementation of the guidance, including information for patients.
Madeleine Murray, Specialist in Restorative Dentistry and Chair of the team that developed the second edition of the guidance, said:
“We have completely updated this guidance and are excited to provide it in this new format. By following recommended prevention and treatment strategies, dental teams should be able to identify patients with or at risk of periodontal disease and provide care that is tailored to each patient to improve their oral health and, in some cases, his general health. health.”
Several organizations have endorsed the guidance as a source of reliable, high-quality professional advice. These include the British Society of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry, the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy, the College of General Dentistry and the dental schools of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow and the Royal College of Surgeons of England.
Professor Jan Clarkson, director of SDCEP, said:
“This updated guidance is based on the best available evidence, including that generated in UK dental practice, and incorporates internationally agreed strategies for providing periodontal care. The new guidance will support dental professionals to provide effective periodontal care, thereby reducing waste of resources and effort and providing care that is more sustainable.”
Professor David Felix, Postgraduate Dean of Dentistry and Director of Dentistry, NES said:
“We welcome the publication of the new edition of Periodontal Disease Prevention and Treatment in Primary Care as a valuable resource for dental professionals in Scotland and beyond. SDCEP continues to support the provision of oral health care that is safe, effective and people-centred, promoting new thinking and the adoption of research evidence into clinical practice. Broad professional support for this guidance is indicated by the endorsement of many key stakeholders. The members of the development team are to be congratulated on their achievement in updating this important guidance.”
More information on SDCEP’s work is available at www.sdcep.org.uk
Contact: corpcomms@nes.scot.nhs.uk
