Dentaltown Learning Online
Dentaltown online ce blog
Blog By:
nareg
nareg

Periodontal Diagnosis: Demystifying the 2017 Nomenclature by Dr. Giacomo Tarquini

Periodontal Diagnosis: Demystifying the 2017 Nomenclature by Dr. Giacomo Tarquini

4/5/2026 7:37:54 AM   |   Comments: 0   |   Views: 53

https://www.dentaltown.com/onlinece/details/1248/periodontal-diagnosis-demystifying-the-2017-nomenclature

This CE Course provides a comprehensive and clinically oriented overview of modern periodontal diagnosis, with particular emphasis on the 2017 AAP/EFP classification system. Although this classification is often unfairly perceived as overly complex, the course demonstrates that it is, in fact, a highly valuable diagnostic and clinical tool, especially when compared with previous classification systems.

Earlier classifications relied heavily on age, disease labels, or descriptive terms that often failed to reflect the true biological behavior of periodontitis and offered limited guidance for treatment planning and prognosis. In contrast, the 2017 classification introduces a rational and structured framework based on staging (severity and complexity of current damage) and grading (rate of disease progression and risk assessment), closely mirroring approaches used in modern medicine.

The course thoroughly explains the definition of a periodontitis case, highlighting the central role of clinical attachment loss (CAL) over radiographic bone loss to avoid underdiagnosis of early disease. Differential diagnosis, incidental attachment loss, and the identification of the three main forms of periodontitis are also addressed. Special attention is given to risk factor assessment and to the periodontal diagnostic workflow, integrating clinical examination, periodontal charting, and radiographic evaluation.

Ultimately, the course reframes the 2017 classification not as a theoretical burden, but as a practical, flexible, and clinically meaningful system that enhances diagnostic accuracy, improves communication, and supports more predictable treatment planning and prognosis in everyday clinical practice.


Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:
            
  • Gain a clear and practical understanding of periodontal disease, confidently distinguishing periodontal health, gingivitis, and periodontitis using up-to-date diagnostic criteria.
  •             
  • Understand the logic and clinical value of the 2017 AAP/EFP classification, moving beyond outdated labels to a modern, biologically driven framework.
  •             
  • Confidently apply staging and grading in everyday practice, transforming a system often perceived as complex into a powerful tool for diagnosis, treatment planning, and prognosis.
  •             
  • Recognize and assess the key local and systemic risk factors that influence disease progression and long-term outcomes.
  •             
  • Adopt a structured, efficient periodontal diagnostic workflow, integrating clinical examination, periodontal charting, and radiographic analysis to support accurate, defensible clinical decisions.
Giacomo Tarquini, DDS, graduated with honors in Dentistry and Dental Prosthetics from the University La Sapienza of Rome in 1994. He completed his training and specialized in periodontology at the Department of Periodontology of University La Sapienza of Rome. Today he practices the free profession in Rome with particular interest in the disciplines of periodontology and implantology. He is also a consultant, professor, tutor and lecturer for a variety of dental specialties. Along with various articles, Tarquini is the author of the textbook, Techniques of Periodontal Surgery from Diagnosis to Therapy.
Category: Periodontics
You must be logged in to view comments.
Total Blog Activity
997
Total Bloggers
13,451
Total Blog Posts
4,671
Total Podcasts
1,788
Total Videos
Sponsors
Townie Perks
Townie® Poll
Do you routinely screen adult patients for sleep-disordered breathing or obstructive sleep apnea?
  
The Dentaltown Team, Farran Media Support
Phone: +1-480-445-9710
Email: support@dentaltown.com
©2026 Dentaltown, a division of Farran Media • All Rights Reserved
9633 S. 48th Street Suite 200 • Phoenix, AZ 85044 • Phone:+1-480-598-0001 • Fax:+1-480-598-3450