Periodontology: e-learning from the DDU and BSP

This course has been co-written by the British Society of Periodontology (BSP) and the Dental Defence Union (DDU). It combines our respective expertise on the clinical assessment, diagnosis and treatment of periodontitis, and the dento-legal aspects that surround it.

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease characterised by destruction of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. Various risk factors are associated with periodontitis, including poor oral hygiene, smoking, diabetes, genetics and stress.

Because the condition is usually chronic in nature, periodontitis requires accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment and long term maintenance and monitoring.

The course does not include a detailed assessment of managing patients who have or require implants.

The modules will help you learn more about periodontal disease: how to assess, diagnose, treat and manage it. They are designed to quiz you, assess your knowledge and identify any gaps.

After successfully completing the assessment, you can download a certificate for three hours of verifiable CPD.

Learning objectives

By the end of this course learners will be able to:

• understand the need for a detailed history for periodontal patients
• appreciate the importance of obtaining consent when managing patients with periodontal disease
• know how to use the Basic Periodontal Examination efficiently and effectively
• be aware of how to assess patients' periodontal conditions accurately, clinically and radiographically
• understand how to diagnose periodontal conditions in detail
• know how to formulate effective periodontal treatment plans
• understand ways of producing patient behaviour change
• appreciate different treatment methods in periodontics
• understand what to expect from periodontal therapy
• know how to assess treatment response and decide on further treatment options
• understand the roles of antimicrobials and surgery in periodontics
• appreciate when it might be appropriate to consider specialist referral
• understand the role and importance of supportive periodontal therapy
• appreciate the importance of communicating effectively with patients.