Michael P. Rethman, DDS, MS, is a periodontist and biomedical scientist. An adjunct associate professor at the University of Maryland and adjunct assistant professor at The Ohio State University, he is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. Rethman is the former chair of the American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs, a past president of the American Academy of Periodontology, and the former director of the United States Army Institute of Dental Research. He is also a member of Decisions in Dentistry’s Editorial Advisory Board.
Clinicians must regularly reassess periodontal maintenance to ensure it meets or exceeds standards. Learn why thorough evaluation and adaptation of treatment approaches are essential for optimal oral health.
Effective treatment of periodontal diseases requires diligent self-care and repeated professional interventions to manage inflammation and prevent bacterial recolonization.
Advances within the 2018 American Academy of Periodontology/European Federation of Periodontology classification system will help clinicians formulate effective treatment plans for periodontal care.
High-quality instrumentation, effective self-care, appropriate reevaluations, and additional therapy are key to a successful periodontal treatment regimen.