Periodontal Referral Patterns in Australia: 2000 Versus 2015

Area of Science:

• Periodontology
• Dental Public Health

Background:

• Previous research identified changes in periodontal disease severity among referred patients between 1980 and 2000 in the US.
• The current study examines trends in periodontal disease severity in Australia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate changes in the severity of periodontal disease in patients referred for specialist care in Australia between 2000-2001 and 2015-2016.
• To compare patient demographics and clinical data between the two time periods.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of 384 patient charts from three Australian periodontal practices.
• Data collected included age, sex, smoking status, missing teeth, planned extractions, and periodontal severity (Types I-V).
• Comparison of cases between 2000-2001 and 2015-2016.

Main Results:

• A higher percentage of Type IV and Type V periodontal disease cases were observed in 2015-2016 compared to 2000-2001.
• Significant reduction in smoking prevalence was noted between the two periods.
• No significant trends in the number of missing teeth or teeth planned for extraction were found.

Conclusions:

• Findings suggest an increasing trend in the referral of more severe periodontal disease cases to specialists.
• This trend is concerning as advanced periodontal conditions are more challenging to manage.
• The results align with previous studies indicating a worsening severity of referred periodontal cases.