Course Overview:

Designed for dental hygienists, therapists and PLVE dentists who wish to expand their understanding of periodontology and enhance clinical skills. The course covers fundamental concepts including periodontal assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning, plus a hands-on component covering probing techniques, ultrasonic scaling and patient communication strategies. Lunch and refreshments provided.

Morning Session – Theory (3 hours): diagnosis (history-taking, periodontal screening, recent guidelines); periodontal assessment and record-keeping; peri-implant diseases; links between periodontitis and systemic disease; principles of periodontal treatment planning; referral criteria; the role of the hygienist; case discussions.

Afternoon Session – Practical (5 hours): hand scaler techniques; scaling exercises on quail eggs for tactile sensitivity; application on phantom-head models; probing techniques (angulation and force calibration); 6-point pocket periodontal charting on models and peer-to-peer practice; oral hygiene instructions (OHI) and patient communication; discussing treatment options; instrumentation with the Piezo Scaler; developing control and precision in ultrasonic scaling.

Learning outcomes: effectively educate patients on oral hygiene and periodontal disease prevention; accurately diagnose periodontal disease via clinical examination (probing depths, bleeding on probing, bone loss assessment); understand referral pathways for complex periodontal cases; gain confidence with ultrasonic and hand-scaling techniques; develop proper pressure and angulation control for effective scaling.

Course requirements: open to registered dental hygienists, therapists and PLVE dentists with active GDC registration; participants must engage in hands-on training on phantom-head models, acting as both clinicians and patients under expert supervision.

CPD accreditation: 8 hours verifiable CPD; Certificate of Attendance awarded on completion.