Increasing confidence and knowledge in managing perio cases as a hygienist and/or therapist

Author: Advanced Hygienist Nancy

Leaving university and being out in the ‘real world’ of dentistry can be daunting. But in any case, experience itself can give you a lot more confidence. You know more than you think! Even if you are newly qualified or qualified for a long period of time, sometimes you need that confidence boost and encouragement that you are doing the best you can in your role. You may need a refresher in the guidelines to work with, what instruments to use, or even how to discuss treatment plans with your patients. Here a few ways you can increase your confidence and knowledge in managing perio cases.

1. Courses and lectures
   Completing a course such as the Diploma in Periodontics can give you a lot more confidence as a clinician; we discussed instrumentation, communication and treatment planning, as well as giving you that refresher in the science of periodontal disease. The Hygienist Course also touches on these topics if you wanted to begin with a shorter course, then work towards the diploma. There are a lot of webinars out there as well that discuss the new S3 guidelines, and the route of management recommended for your patients. Attending dental shows and study days/evenings can also benefit your understanding of any updates in the world of perio. Make sure you know when to refer patients for a specialist assessment and when management is out of your scope.
2. Working alongside a periodontist
   Having a periodontist in your practice can be a great way of increasing your knowledge and skills in periodontal disease management. Talk with them about how you can work together to manage the perio patients, whether that be active treatment or maintenance. Ask them how you can be involved in the workflow and what they would like you to carry out. Receiving feedback on your clinical work can also be a great way to help your professional development and see what went well and where you can improve further. A periodontist will be able to show you what other treatments they can provide, for example free-gingival grafts and crown lengthening, allowing you to identify if a patient may benefit from this depending if they express concerns about aesthetics or tooth sensitivity.
3. Observing a periodontist and/or hygienist in a specialist practice
   If you don't have a periodontist at your practice, reach out to clinics who do and observe the full 360° of how they work; how they communicate with the patient, what instruments they use, how many appointments do they require and so on. Observing a hygienist working alongside periodontists can give you a more relatable view of perio management in that role, whilst allowing you to see the process from a specialist assessment to them referring to the hygienist. Utilise your time observing and ask as many questions as needed to ensure you feel more confident translating these skills into your daily practice. The clinicians you observe may also give you tips on what you can do to manage patients who require further care.