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Periodontology

Periodontal classification, staging and grading, non-surgical therapy, surgical principles, and supportive maintenance — structured for OSCE, viva, and board exams.

What examiners focus on

  • 2018 classification of periodontal diseases — stages I–IV, grades A–C
  • Periodontal assessment — BPE/PSR, probing depths, CAL, radiographic bone loss
  • Non-surgical therapy — scaling, root surface debridement, adjunctive antibiotics
  • Risk factor identification — smoking, diabetes, genetic susceptibility
  • Surgical indications — when non-surgical therapy is not enough
  • Supportive periodontal therapy — recall intervals and re-evaluation criteria
  • Perio-endo lesions and furcation involvement classification

5 tips for periodontology exams

  1. Staging and grading is the most tested topic — know the criteria for each stage and grade cold, including the complexity factors.
  2. Examiners want you to stage AND grade every case — don't just say "Stage III," always add the grade with your reasoning.
  3. Non-surgical therapy vivas expect a phased approach — cause-related therapy first, then re-evaluation, then surgery if needed.
  4. Risk factor questions are easy marks — always mention smoking (pack-years), diabetes (HbA1c), and compliance.
  5. Maintenance questions test your recall interval logic — explain why 3 months vs 6 months based on risk profile.