Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 1, 2025

Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Evaluation of a questionnaire-based diabetes screening concept in German patients with Stage III or IV periodontitis:
Gerhard Schmalz1, Claudia Wolf2, Cordula Merle1
1Department of Cariology, Endodontology and Periodontology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
Background:
This practice-based retrospective study evaluated a screening method for diabetes mellitus (DM) in patients with Stage III or IV periodontitis using the FINDRISC questionnaire.
Methods:
Patients with Stage III or IV periodontitis who received FINDRISC screening in a German private dental practice were recruited. Individuals with positive FINDRISC scores (≥12, FINDRISC+) were referred for diabetological examination. Several general and periodontal findings from the patients' documentation were recorded and analyzed.
Results:
A total of 179 patients (52.65 ± 11.49 years) were included. In DM screening, 24.6% (n = 44) patients were FINDRISC+, including all patients with currently known DM (21 of 21). Of the remaining FINDRISC+ patients, 82.6% (19 of 23) visited their general practitioner, and 63.2% (12 of 19, 7.6% of total cohort) had an HbA1c ≥5.7%. Accordingly, 75% of the FINDRISC+ patients were diabetologically conspicuous (HbA1c ≥ 5.7%), including those with already known DM. Patients with previously unknown DM showed higher mean age, more missing teeth, a higher periodontitis stage (more Stage IV) and more frequently teeth with suppuration compared with the diabetologically inconspicuous individuals (P <0.01).
Conclusion:
The FINDRISC questionnaire is appropriate for patients with Stage III or IV periodontitis and can be recommended in dental practice setting.
More Related Videos
06:06Adjunctive Diode Laser Therapy and Probiotic Lactobacillus Therapy in the Treatment of Periodontitis and Peri-Implant Disease
Published on: May 9, 2022
07:22Glycemic Impact on Knee Osteoarthritis Symptoms on Physical, Radiographic, and Inflammatory Markers among Individuals Aged 50 and Over with Diabetes
Published on: March 7, 2025
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include: