Background A new world classification of periodontal diseases and conditions was developed in 2017 and implemented throughout the United Kingdom by the British Society of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry.Method A retrospective audit was undertaken at Bristol Dental Hospital (BDH) (December 2019 to March 2020) to assess uptake of the new classification in referral letters and its implementation by staff. In total, 75 consecutive new patient referrals seen at BDH were manually searched for diagnosis/classification. Additionally, the 75 most recent referrals where both the referring practitioner and BDH staff used the 2017 classification were analysed for agreeability.Results Within South West England, there was a positive uptake of the new classification in general practice, with 85% of referrals using the 2017 periodontal classification. Further, 98% of patients attending BDH for periodontology consultations were diagnosed using the 2017 classification. Results indicate 50.7% and 57.3% agreement for staging and grading, respectively, when comparing consultants to referring clinicians.Discussion The new classification has been widely conveyed to the profession and is being adopted quickly by specialists, general practitioners and dental health professionals. There is an underestimation of both stage and grade by referring practitioners, with 40% of referrals underestimating the stage and 38.7% underestimating the grade.
© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to the British Dental Association.