The assessment of needs for periodontal treatment

The purpose of epidemiology is 'to guide the administration in the provision of health services' (MacMahon and Pugh, 1970). The provision of systematic treatment of periodontal disease has been hampered by the lack of a suitable system for calculating manpower and costs involved in the treatment of population groups. Recently, the Periodontal Treatment Need System (PTNS) has been suggested to meet with these requirements (Johansen, Gjermo & Bellini, 1973: Bellini and Gjermo, 1973). The principles of the system are explained and discussed. Moreover, it is emphasized that the prevention of periodontal disease as well as caries should be the paramount goal of the public dental health services. A possible method for early diagnosis and preventive treatment of high risk subjects is suggested.