What makes the perfect perio team?

The periodontists’s perspective…

I qualified as a specialist in periodontics in 2008 and have worked in specialist practices since then. I have worked in private practice and have been fortunate enough to treat patients under an NHS contract, and I also taught undergraduates at Guy’s Dental Hospital between 2009 and 2015.

Periodontology is a complex speciality because not only is it challenging from a clinical aspect but also being able to understand the psychology of the patient is of paramount importance, especially as quite often there is a need to affect behaviour change. Additionally, many patients are very nervous and often embarrassed about the state of their teeth and gums and it is important to put them at ease. It is also very important to have a good working relationship with the referring dentist as quite often there are multiple issues at play that need to be considered and planned for.