The periodontal examination profile of general dentists in Nova Scotia, Canada

In this cross-sectional study we investigate the extent to which general dentists in Nova Scotia carry out periodontal examinations of their patients. In addition, factors that significantly influence performing a periodontal examination by a dentist are identified.

A survey questionnaire was mailed to all 443 general dentists practicing in the province of Nova Scotia in the summer of 2009. The survey included questions on demographics and the various components of the periodontal examination. Simple and multiple logistic regression tests were used to analyze the results.

Of the 279 (63%) responses received, 272 (61%) responses were eligible to be included in the analyses. The majority of responders (94.8%) reported performing periodontal examinations of their patients. However, only 37.8% and 43.3% of the dentists reported performing full-mouth and selective probing depth measurements, respectively. Dentists who practiced in urban locations (P = 0.05), dentists whose practices were situated <5 km from a periodontist (P = 0.08), and dentists who planned to take a continuing education course in periodontal plastic surgery in the next 2 years (P = 0.07) were more likely to perform a periodontal examination.

Although the majority of dentists in our study report performing periodontal examinations of their patients, only a small portion report recording complete probing depth measurements or using appropriate radiographs in their examinations. These practices could lead to an underestimation of diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease.