Preventive periodontics in the dental hygiene curriculum: results of a nationwide survey.

The contemporary concept of prevention for the dental hygienist incorporates detection and initial treatment of periodontal disease. A nationwide survey of 192 schools of dental hygiene indicates that nearly all of these schools have minimal requirements in preventive periodontics including didactic presentations, periodontal charting, and instruction in root planing techniques. Data from this survey suggest that schools of dental hygiene may not be fulfilling their responsibility in preventive dental health.