ADC - Australian Dental Council Periodontal Disease Management Questions and Answers

Question 1

A 58-year-old male patient presents for a periodontal maintenance appointment.
He completed non-surgical periodontal therapy 12 months ago for Stage III Grade B periodontitis.
He is a former smoker, having quit 2 years ago, and has well-controlled Type 2 diabetes.
Clinical examination reveals generalised probing depths of 3-4 mm, with bleeding on probing at 15% of sites.
What is the most appropriate recall interval for his supportive periodontal therapy (SPT)?

Accepted Answer

3 months, due to his history of advanced disease and presence of risk factors.

Answer

12 months, as the probing depths are generally stable.

Answer

6 months, as he is a former smoker with controlled diabetes.

Answer

9 months, as a step-down from the initial 3-monthly recall.

Question 2

A 28-year-old female patient is diagnosed with generalised Stage III Grade C (aggressive) periodontitis. Following initial non-surgical debridement (scaling and root planing), which of the following is the most appropriate next step in her management according to current Australian guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Prescription of systemic antibiotics as an adjunct to the initial therapy.

Answer

Immediate referral for full mouth extraction and implant placement.

Answer

A 12-month review to assess the healing response.

Answer

Placement of localised antibiotic chips in all pockets deeper than 5mm.

Question 3

Which of the following is the primary goal of non-surgical periodontal therapy, such as scaling and root planing?

Accepted Answer

To disrupt the subgingival biofilm and remove calculus deposits.

Answer

To regenerate lost alveolar bone and cementum.

Answer

To achieve a smooth root surface for patient comfort.

Answer

To eliminate the need for any future dental treatment.

Question 4

A patient with a multi-rooted molar exhibits a Class II furcation involvement. The area is difficult for the patient to clean, and there is persistent inflammation despite excellent overall oral hygiene and regular non-surgical debridement. Which of the following surgical interventions would be most appropriate to improve cleansibility and manage the defect?

Accepted Answer

Tunnel preparation.

Answer

Gingivectomy.

Answer

Root amputation of one of the roots.

Answer

Free gingival graft.

Question 5

According to the 2017 AAP/EFP classification system, which factor is a primary determinant for assigning the 'Grade' of periodontitis?

Accepted Answer

The rate of disease progression over time.

Answer

The number of teeth lost due to periodontitis.

Answer

The percentage of bone loss at the most affected site.

Answer

The presence of probing depths greater than 5 mm.

Question 6

What is the most critical component of the long-term management and success of periodontal therapy?

Accepted Answer

Patient adherence to a regular supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) schedule.

Answer

Initial prescription of systemic antibiotics.

Answer

The complexity of the initial surgical procedures.

Answer

Use of advanced ultrasonic scaling devices.