A Survey of Periodontal Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Patterns by Pediatric Dentists Short Title: Periodontal Disease Diagnosis and Treatment in Pedodontics

Objectives: This survey was created to determine pediatric dentists' familiarity with diagnosis and effective treatments of periodontal diseases in children and adolescents. Methods: A 21-item questionnaire was mailed or e-mailed to the 308 members of the Florida Academy of Pediatric Dentists (FAPD) and distributed at the FAPD annual meeting. Responses were analyzed using the chi-square statistical method. Results: Two hundred and nineteen questionnaires were returned. Most respondents worked in private practice (86%), reported assessing patients' periodontal status every 6 months (99%) by radiographs and visual assessments, and 21% reported including a periodontal probe in their examination kit. Gingivitis was diagnosed daily, while periodontitis was seen more frequently in non-private practices once every few months. Most pediatric dentists showed familiarity with risk factors implicated in the development of periodontal diseases. Approximately half of the pediatric dentists used oral hygiene instructions (OHI), scaling and root planning, and prophylaxis for treatment of aggressive periodontitis, while only 24% use an antibiotic regimen. Enhanced knowledge of parameters for diagnosis of periodontal disease was correlated with increased referral rates. Most dentists were confident about diagnosis/evaluation of treated periodontitis, but less confident about treatment planning. Confidence in treatment planning/therapy was associated with correct treatment choices. Conclusions: Most pediatric dentists assessed periodontitis often and were familiar with its risk factors, but less familiar/confident with its treatment and the use of important tools for its proper diagnosis. Clinical significance: Recent studies show chronic periodontitis affects 47% of American adults and up to 24% in children/adolescents. Due to its painless progression, the disease must be diagnosed and treated early. This study shows common practices among pediatric dentists regarding diagnosis and treatment of periodontal diseases in young individuals.