Eur J Dent Educ. 2022 Jul 22. doi: 10.1111/eje.12838. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to evaluate if patients at one dental education institution received appropriate care based on their periodontal diagnosis in a timely manner. This study used a retrospective design to evaluate data from July 2018 to February 2020. The patient records were screened to determine if patients received a periodontal diagnosis, whether the diagnosis followed the 2018 AAP Classification Guidelines, and if appropriate preventive and therapeutic procedures were completed in a timely manner. In addition, the type or year of dental student providing the procedure was also recorded. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and a chi square test. A total of 612 charts were generated for review and 157 met the inclusion criteria and were evaluated. Results revealed that more than half (56.7%) of the patient records did not demonstrate a periodontal diagnosis and another 10.8% did not follow current AAP Classification Guidelines. Most patients (n=125, 79.6%) had a comprehensive periodontal assessment performed, while 32 (20.4%) had no comprehensive periodontal charting information recorded. Further, of the 157 records reviewed, 96 (61.1%) had no periodontal treatment specified. A statistically significant difference with a modest association was found between type of dental student and year based on periodontal diagnosis (Fisher’s Exact Test value = 20.72, p=0.001, Cramer’s V = 0.25). Documentation of key clinical information, diagnostic conclusions, and treatment rendered requires curriculum review. Further studies are warranted to determine if similar findings exist among other dental school education programs.
PMID:35869677 | DOI:10.1111/eje.12838
