BSP UK Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Periodontitis

News

  Posted by: Dental Design      9th February 2021

The European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) engaged a group of International experts to systematically reviewed evidence from clinical studies to create clinical guidelines for the treatment of periodontitis (gum disease).

The British Society of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry (BSP) has moved rapidly to take the European document and develop a British version of the guidelines, making sure they were suitable for the UK healthcare system. The paper is published today in the Journal of Dentistry: https://authors.elsevier.com/sd/article/S0300-5712(20)30310-9

This is an incredibly important project. Poor gum health can lead to tooth loss and affect other systemic health issues, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and dementia. It was wonderful that European experts came together to look at the 4 main phases of periodontal disease management with a view to creating clear guidelines for all.

The BSP has been kindly supported by GSK to record several educational videos and produce flowchart resources to help dental care professionals to implement the guidelines in clinical practice. By creating a series of short video clips, to be shared via social media and our website, we can help to spread the important educational message to the wider dental profession, patients and the public. We aim to distribute our clinical guideline flowchart to all dental practices in the UK to accompany their classification flow chart.

A lay version of the guidelines for the public and patients is also being produced. It was extremely important to the BSP to involve patients, who could present their important viewpoints in the workshops. They have also been involved in the process of creating a lay version of the guidelines.

This lay version will allow patients to empower themselves with evidence-based information to both take responsibility for aspects of their disease management and know that they are being offered appropriate, contemporary, evidence-based treatment.

In addition, the BSP has created a lay flowchart, which conveys the importance of gum health in a simplified, informative way. Our aim in creating resources for patients and the public include:

• Help the public understand what gum disease is
• Raise awareness of how you can look after your gums and maintain good oral health
• Reduce the stigma associated with gum disease (as highlighted in “The Sound of Periodontitis” video) by identifying the many causes including smoking, diabetes etc.
• Highlight that more can be done to aid gum health in addition to brushing your teeth
• Encourage the patient to take ownership of their disease and highlight the ways they can do this

Project leads:

About the BSP

The British Society of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry was founded in 1949 to promote public and professional awareness of periodontology and implant dentistry to achieve our vision of “Periodontal Health for a Better Life”.

We enjoy research, debate and actively getting involved in issues that affect members and our work. We are keen promoters of periodontology and dental implantology and are working hard, through various initiatives, to significantly raise awareness to the public, patients, dental and medical professionals. One of our strategic aims is to work with key stakeholders and influence national and international policy makers to promote periodontal health.

To reflect our commitment to progression and innovation, the BSP awards prizes for research into periodontology – both for undergraduate and postgraduate students – on an annual basis. https://www.bsperio.org.uk/professionals/awards

The BSP hosts one key Conference every year. These are popular, content-rich, excellent networking events with high profile speakers covering a huge range of topics. We also have an educational webinar programme covering a range of topics for members and non-members. https://www.bsperio.org.uk/events/bsp-event-calendar

We have Undergraduate Representatives in all UK dental and hygiene/therapy school. In addition, we have a dedicated Early Careers Group, which is an energetic part of the BSP, helping to support young periodontists at the start of their specialist career. https://www.bsperio.org.uk/early-career-group

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