Epidiology of periodontal disease

Question 1

How can a periodontal index be used?

Answer 1

4 ways:

Clinical trials

Epidemiological surveys

Evaluation of patient progress

Motivation of the patient to improve hygiene

Question 2

What are the features of the ideal index to be used?

Answer 2

Be simple to use

Require minimum time

Require minimum armamentarium

Be clear, understandable, and reproducible

Be amendable to statistical analysis

Be equally sensitive throughout its scale of variable measure

Be acceptable to the patient

Question 3

What different indices have been developed for different situations?

Answer 3

Indices used to measure plaque and calculus

Indices used to measure gingivitis

Indices used to measure gingival bleeding

Indices used to measure periodontitis

Community index of treatment needs