Accuracy of Novel Simplified Periodontal Classification Infographic for Periodontal Diagnosis Among a Group of Thai Dental Students

Objective: To compare the accuracy of periodontal diagnosis using the novel simplified periodontal classification infographic between preclinical and clinical dental students in a group of Thai dental students. Method: This randomized crossover study included 84 preclinical and clinical dental students from a private dental school in Pathum-Thani, Thailand. They were assigned to diagnose 20 periodontal cases using the proceeding of periodontal diseases and conditions (AAP/EFP 2018) and novel simplified periodontal classification infographic. Twenty fully documented periodontal cases, which had been diagnosed according to new periodontal classification and achieved 100% agreement by three experienced periodontists, were prepared for questionnaires in digital format. Prior to answer questionnaires, 21 participants of each group were assigned to study the proceeding and other 21 participants from each group were designated to learn periodontal classification infographic. After learning period, questionnaires of 20 cases were complete submitted. Subsequently 1 month of wash- period, all participants were alternated to read opposite side of periodontal classification documents and answer these questionnaires again. Results: After implementation, clinical group were able to diagnose periodontal health cases, gingivitis cases and identify stage and grade of periodontitis significantly higher than preclinical group. Both groups had a significantly increased in accuracy of diagnosis after using novel simplified periodontal classification infographic. Conclusion: This novel simplified periodontal classification infographic is an effective tool to improve accuracy of periodontal disease diagnosis for both preclinical and clinical dental students.