Key opinion leaders reach consensus on periodontal health

In April 2015, a group of key opinion leaders met with a team from Johnson & Johnson at a National Advisory Panel event in Dublin to advise on the topic of ‘Improving the periodontal health of Irish population – prevention and treatment’.

At the meeting, the key opinion leaders agreed on the following periodontal health consensus statement:

• ‘Effective plaque and calculus removal is key to oral health;

• Dental healthcare professionals have a responsibility to educate patients on their disease status and to direct patients appropriately;

• Patients should receive tailored oral hygiene instruction and demonstration;

• Patients have a responsibility to act upon the advice given by dental healthcare professionals;

• For effective management optimal patient home care and professional debridement are both essential;

• Long-term periodontal maintenance with continuity of care is critical for successful treatment outcome;

•Clinically proven mouthwashes, gels and pastes should be considered for recommendation to those individuals who are not achieving optimal levels of plaque control in their home care routine.’

The key opinion leaders were: