Dental care professionals' experience with the 2017 periodontal disease classification

The 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions resulted in an updated classification with a new staging and grading system for periodontitis. The authors aimed to evaluate dental care professionals' experience with the new system and identify the barriers, if any, to its implementation in clinical practice.

In this mixed-method cross-sectional study, surveys were administered to participating dental care professionals, which examined their experience with the 2017 classification of periodontal diseases. Surveys addressed participants' perceived familiarity, ease of use, and incorporation into practice. Quantitative data were analyzed using analysis of variance and qualitative responses were analyzed using the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats framework.

Periodontists and dental hygienists had significantly higher familiarity, understanding, and greater transition with the 2017 classification than general dentists and other provider types (96% vs 60%; P < .001); academic dental care professionals' were more knowledgeable than those in nonacademic settings. All dental care professionals expressed a desire for additional continuing education (CE) on the new classification. The qualitative analysis of free text feedback responses using the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats framework reflected several strengths and weakness of the new periodontal classification.

Although the sophisticated and multidimensional 2017 classification has its merits, the study findings revealed significant differences in familiarity and understanding between periodontists and dental hygienists and general dentists, and results of qualitative analysis indicated a need for revisions to the staging and grading framework and additional CE efforts.

The authors emphasized the importance of developing a simplified and pragmatic diagnostic framework to enhance the clinical applicability of the 2017 classification. Addressing gaps and gray zones of the classification through targeted, case-based CE, especially for dental care professionals in nonacademic settings, is essential for effective implementation across all practice environments.