Periodontal Diagnosis: Demystifying the 2017 Nomenclature

Credit Details
This electronically delivered self-instructional program is designated for 1.5 hours of ADA CERP and AGD PACE CE credit by Farran Media. AGD Code: 490.

The fee to view this course is $36. This cost includes the fee to take the exam and claim your CE credits.

Synopsis:
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.

Educational Objectives:
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• Understand the logic and clinical value of the 2017 AAP/EFP classification, moving beyond outdated labels to a modern, biologically driven framework.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.

Description of Speaker:
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.

Disclosure:
The author declares that neither he nor any member of his family has a financial arrangement or affiliation with any corporate organization offering financial support or grant monies for this continuing dental education program.

Legal Disclaimer:
The CE provider (Farran Media) uses reasonable care in selecting and providing content that is accurate. The CE provider, however, does not independently verify the content or materials. The CE provider does not represent that the instructional materials are error-free or that the content or materials are comprehensive. Any opinions expressed in the materials are those of the author of the materials and not the CE provider. Completing one or more continuing education courses does not provide sufficient information to qualify the participant as an expert in the field related to the course topic or in any specific technique or procedure. The instructional materials are intended to supplement, but are not a substitute for, the knowledge, expertise, skill and judgment of a trained health care professional.

Licensure:
Continuing education credits issued for completion of online CE courses may not apply toward license renewal in all licensing jurisdictions. It is the responsibility of each registrant to verify the CE requirements of his/her licensing or regulatory agency.

State CE Requirements:
Click Here for CE requirements by state. Please note that this information is current as of the time of listing. This information is subject to change at any time from the state boards. For the most up-to-date information, please contact your state board directly.

Refund Policy
There are no refunds for Online CE courses. Please contact technical support if you run into technical difficulty.

CE Contact
For any questions, please contact Nareg Apelian, DMD, Director of Continuing Education at nareg@farranmedia.com