Periodontal Referral Patterns in Australia: 2000 Versus 2015

Background: A previous study investigated differences in the severity of periodontal disease on referral for specialist care between 1980 and 2000 across the United States. The present study finds patients referred in 2000 had greater severity of periodontal disease than those referred 20 years ago. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 384 charts was completed from three periodontal practices across the east coast of Australia. Two time periods were investigated: 2000 to 2001 and 2015 to 2016. From these charts, the following data were recorded: 1) age; 2) sex; 3) smoking status; 4) number of missing teeth; and 5) number of teeth planned for extraction as part of a treatment plan at initial examination. Additionally, degree of periodontal severity was determined and recorded. The classification system was based on that used by the previous study, wherein case Types I to IV defined increasing severity of periodontal disease, and Type V defined referrals for needs other than periodontal disease (e.g., crown lengthening and implants). Results: Overall, patients seen in 2015 presented with a greater percentage of Type IV and Type V cases. Smoking prevalence reduced significantly across the three locations between the two time periods. No consistent or noteworthy trends were identified with regard to number of missing teeth or number of teeth planned for extraction. Conclusions: Consistent with the results of a similar previous study, there appears to be a trend for more severe periodontal conditions being referred to periodontists. This is concerning given that more severe periodontal conditions tend to be more difficult to manage conservatively and reliably.