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Accuracy in Diagnosing Periodontitis Using the AAP/EFP 2017 Classification
Hammam I Fageeh1, Hytham N Fageeh1, Wael I Ibraheem1
1Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
Purpose:
In the 2017 periodontal classification, periodontitis was diagnosed based on stage, grade and extent. Periodontitis is diagnosed not only by periodontists but also by general dentists. Therefore, the study was conducted to determine and compare the accuracy of periodontists, postgraduate periodontal students, general dentists and undergraduate students in diagnosing the stage, grade, and extent of periodontitis.
Method:
Four groups of examiners-periodontists, postgraduate periodontal students, general dentists, and undergraduate students (n = 10 each) were included in the study. Five documented periodontitis cases were sent to examiners to determine the stage, grade, and extent of periodontitis. Average score (for stage, grade and extent separately) and overall score (combined score of stage, grade, and extent) were obtained. Intergroup comparisons for staging, extent, and grade were performed using a one-way ANOVA. The correlation between different scores obtained by groups of examiners was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). P < .05 was considered statistically significant.
Results:
Substantial agreement was observed for stage (ICC = 0.658) and overall score (ICC = 0.690). Agreement for grade and extent was moderate (ICC = 0.518) and fair (ICC = 0.273), respectively. Significant substantial agreement between periodontists and postgraduates with the assessment of stage (ICC = 0.756) and overall score (ICC = 0.698) was found. For the overall score, periodontists (mean 1.74 ± 0.34) and postgraduates (mean 1.48 ± 0.391) performed better. Undergraduate students (mean 1.42 ± 0.25) performed better than general dentists (mean 1.40 ± 0.45).
Conclusion:
Periodontists performed better than postgraduate students, undergraduates and general dentists. Undergraduates performed better than general dentists.
Clinical Relevance:
Correct diagnosis is critical for providing the correct treatment plan for treating the disease. Education and training can result in accurate diagnosis of the stage, grade, and extent of periodontitis, thereby providing treatment accordingly.
