OralDNA® providers frequently comment that some patients will say “I am below those black lines so I must be okay.” To help overcome this obstacle, the MyPerioPath® results have an option to display the reference lines (black lines) or have them removed. This is customizable on the test order page. There are benefits to both versions. This blog will provide sample verbiage a clinician can use both when the reference lines are present and when the reference lines are removed.
To serve as a refresher and from a previous blog “What are the Reference Lines?” these lines help the clinician align/confirm their assessment of the severity of the clinical signs (BOP, pocket depth, radiographic evidence of bone loss, attachment loss) with the quantity of bacteria typically measured with those clinical features. As more and more clinicians switch to AAP classifications, we have been able to confidently base the reference lines referring to the average concentrations compared to AAP Stage I-II versus ADA classifications.
If a clinician sees disease clinically but the quantity of bacteria doesn’t surpass the reference line, the patient/clinician conversation could go as follows.
Reference Lines Included
Patient: “Whoa, I see a lot of colored bars, but if I am below those black lines, I should be okay right?”
Clinician: “Periodontal disease is very complicated. In your case, we can see bleeding, bone loss, and other signs of inflammation. These are indicators of active disease. Even though you are below the average, these levels are too much for you personally. If you didn’t have bleeding and bone loss, then I would agree with you as being okay, but you do. I see you as a more difficult case where we might need to address other factors such as something going on in your systemic health, stress, or sleep. Let’s consider your personalized treatment plan to address these bacteria, and stimulate your body to heal. Let’s find the point where the bacteria or other factors are not producing inflammation. Our goal is a balance point, not eradication of the bacteria.”
No Reference Lines
Patient: “Whoa, I see a lot of colored bars, am I okay?”
Clinician: “Periodontal disease is very complicated. This report indicates you have several different bacteria that are often the cause of bleeding gums and bone loss like you are experiencing. Our treatment plan is to personalize your therapy to target these specific bacteria to get them lower and stimulate your body to heal. Ultimately, the goal of therapy is to find a point where the bacteria are not causing inflammation leading to bleeding and bone loss. If we lower the bacteria and there is still a disease state, we will need to address other factors such as something going on in your systemic health, stress, or sleep.”
As you can tell from the scripts, there are only a few words utilized differently. To include or exclude the reference lines is an option for your team to consider.
Diane’s holistic approach is enriched by her extensive knowledge of nutrition, seamlessly integrating it into her practice. Proudly rooted in the Midwest, she makes her home in Minnesota with her husband, where she continues to contribute meaningfully to the dental community, driven by a deep commitment to excellence and patient care.
- Practicing Dental Medicine: The Partnership with a Clinical Laboratory - December 13, 2024
- Olympic Spirit: Achieving Gold in Healthcare - August 16, 2024
- The Winning Team: The Healthcare Provider & The Clinical Laboratory - April 12, 2024