Periodontal status in a South Australian industrial population

The periodontal status of 680 industrial employees in Adelaide, South Australia, was assessed in a descriptive epidemiologic survey. Full mouth recording using the recently proposed WHO 'TRS 621' survey method (14) was used by two calibrated examiners. Periodontal disease in this population was highly prevalent and typically of moderate severity. Only 4.2% of the subjects were free from any signs of periodontal disease. In 11.1% the disease manifestation was confined to reversible gingivitis. Mild periodontal disease was evident in approximately 60% and severe disease in 25% of the population. The major treatment requirement in all age groups could be categorized as "simple periodontal treatment" manageable by non specialist dental resources. More than 90% of pockets detected occurred interproximally. Some features of the proposed WHO 'TRS 621' survey methodology are discussed.