Simple flowcharts for periodontal diagnosis based on the 2018 new periodontal classification increased accuracy and clinician confidence in making a periodontal diagnosis: a randomized crossover trial.

Abstract

To evaluate the effectiveness of the simple flowcharts for practical periodontal diagnosis based on the 2018 new periodontal classification. In this randomized two-period crossover trial, 152 participants assigned a periodontal diagnosis for 25 case scenarios using the flowcharts (test group) and using the consensus reports (control group). Self-confidence questionnaires were completed at the end of each period. Questionnaires about the perception of the flowcharts were completed at the end of the study. The accuracy of the diagnosis, the time used, and participants' confidence in assigning a diagnosis between using the flowcharts and using the consensus reports were compared. The mixed model analysis indicated that using the flowcharts was associated with a significant increase in the accuracy of the periodontal diagnosis, compared with using the consensus reports (P = 0.008). After the subgroup analysis, a significant increase in the accuracy of the full diagnosis and the accuracy of periodontal health, gingivitis, and periodontitis identification was seen in only the dental students. The time used for making the diagnosis using flowcharts and using consensus reports was similar. The self-confidence scores significantly increased when using flowcharts for diagnosis. The simple flowcharts are user-friendly tools that can aid clinicians in accurately assigning a periodontal diagnosis and improve clinicians' confidence in assigning a periodontal diagnosis using the new periodontal classification. The flowcharts can be used for periodontal screening and assigning periodontal diagnosis using the new classification in routine practice.