Implementation of the 2017 Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases by Clinical Dental Hygienists

Abstract

Purpose The World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions introduced a new framework for categorizing periodontal and peri-implant diseases and conditions in 2017. The purpose of this study was to investigate the current implementation practice and factors impacting implementation of the 2017 Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases by clinical dental hygienists.

Methods Survey research was conducted in an online format with a non-probability sample of clinical dental hygienists recruited via social media and snowball sampling (n= 255). Components of the survey included personal, environmental, and behavioral factors along with intention to implement the classification of periodontal staging and grading system into patient care. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression.

Results The survey completion rate was 71% (n=181). Environmental factors (β=.352, p<.001) and personal factors (β=.469, p<.001) were positively associated with the intention to implement the 2017 periodontal disease classification system. In contrast, behavioral factors (β=.011, p=.889) and highest degree earned (β=.079, p=.151) were not significant predictors. For the intention to attend continuing education courses on the new classification system, both behavioral factors (β=.388, p<.001) and personal factors (β=.299, p=.003) were significant. However, environmental factors (β=−.048, p=.535), years in practice (β=−.041, p=.506), and familiarity (β=.066, p=.402) were not significant predictors.

Conclusion Results demonstrated that both environmental and personal factors significantly influenced the intention to implement the 2017 periodontal disease classification system among clinical dental hygienists. To enhance integration, efforts should be made to focus on improving personal motivation and addressing the environmental/workplace factors.