[Guidelines for periodontal diagnosis in Belgium].

Proper examination of patients is essential in assessing treatment needs. This includes at least a thorough anamnesis and clinical examination. As periodontal diseases are highly-prevalent in Belgium, every patient should be examined as such on a routine basis in general practice. After all, early detection of pathology avoids extensive periodontal therapy and favours tooth retention in the end, which is the ultimate goal. This manuscript offers the clinician, in particular the general practitioner, a number of guidelines in reference to periodontal diagnosis.