Perio and the pandemic: a cause for concern? BY ANDREW WALKER & COLM H ARNEY DENTOLEGAL CONSULTANTS
Will the disruption caused by COVID-19 heighten the risks around periodontal disease? In recent years, the dental profession has been concerned about litigation in relation to periodontal disease. More recently, members have contacted the Dental Protection advice line, worried about whether the current pandemic situation may put them at further risk of a periodontal claim for compensation. A particular issue that some members have wanted to discuss is the need to undertake periodontal treatment with hand instruments, when they are unable to use ultrasonic scalers. The Covid-19 pandemic has given rise to many unprecedented situations. As such, it is difficult to predict with any degree of certainty what the impact will be on, for example, future claims compensation. Although, it is worth considering the following points in relation to periodontal claims for compensation.
Hand instrumentation is effective In the first instance, we should bear in mind the evidence in the periodontal literature, which does say that hand instrumentation and powered instrumentation can be equally effective. This is also mentioned on the British Society of Periodontology (BSP) website. It is therefore appropriate to consider providing periodontal treatment with hand instruments when required. However, it is also accepted that clinicians only maintain the skills they use. The BSP website also goes on to state:
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EDITION 7 | 2021 Western Articulator
