The Perio Review / SPC Notes Template UK Hygienists Use
A periodontal review / supportive periodontal care (SPC) notes template captures the maintenance visit for treated periodontitis patients — interval since last visit, OH compliance, risk factor status (smoking, diabetes), BoP and pocket depth review at affected sites, supragingival and subgingival PMPR as indicated, response to previous NSPT, and recall interval per disease stability — meeting BSP UK CPG Step 4 (Supportive Periodontal Care) standards.
SPC is what makes Step 1-3 stick — without ongoing maintenance, treated periodontitis recurs. Below is the template UK hygienists and dentists paste into their PMS for each SPC visit.
Download the free Perio Review / Supportive Periodontal Care (SPC) template — plain text, GDC/FGDP(UK)-aligned.
Why this perio review / supportive periodontal care (spc) template wins
- BPE compared to previous explicitly — defines trend (improving / stable / deteriorating).
- Specific pocket depth comparison to previous — quantifies response to treatment.
- Risk factor reinforcement built in — smoking and diabetes are the modifiable factors that drive long-term outcome.
- Recall interval rationale tied to disease severity AND modifiable risk factor status — BSP Step 4 aligned.
- PMPR clearly distinguished (supra vs sub) — defends against "you didn't do enough" or "you over-treated".
Compliance: the medico-legal angle
- BSP UK CPG (EFP S3, 2021) Step 4 — supportive periodontal care framework.
- SDCEP periodontal care record-keeping standards.
- GDC Principle 4 — longitudinal periodontal records enable monitoring and prove maintenance.
- Indemnity defence — DDU data shows 10% of GP claims involve periodontal disease progression. Documented SPC visits with stable disease are the defence.
Common mistakes UK dentists make
- No BPE comparison to previous — leaves trend undocumented.
- No specific pocket re-measurement at affected sites — can't demonstrate response or deterioration.
- Recall interval set without rationale — should be tied to disease stability + risk factors.
- No risk factor reinforcement (especially smoking) at every SPC visit — missed opportunity AND missed audit trail.
- Subgingival PMPR not done at sites with ≥4mm pockets with BoP — under-treatment that leads to disease recurrence.
Frequently asked questions
How often should SPC visits be?
BSP: typically 3-6 months for stable disease. More frequent (3 months minimum) for: smokers, diabetics, severe initial disease, persistent deep pockets. Less frequent (6 months) only for fully resolved disease with excellent OH compliance. Document the rationale.
Do I need full charting at every SPC visit?
Affected sextants (those previously BPE ≥3 or known disease): yes — pocket depths and BoP at each visit. Unaffected sextants: BPE is sufficient. Document both.
When does SPC fail and what next?
New deep pockets developing, persistent BoP despite good OH, progression on radiograph at intervals (typically 2-3 years). Re-stage and re-grade. May need to return to Step 2 NSPT for affected sites, or Step 3 surgical intervention. Document the decision.
Should I take radiographs at SPC?
Not routinely. Per CGDent selection criteria: radiographs for clinical reason. For known periodontitis on SPC: radiographs every 2-3 years to assess bone level change, OR if clinical deterioration suggests progression. Document the IRMER justification.
Hygienist or dentist for SPC?
Either, within scope. Hygienists are well-suited for SPC. Dentist input for: re-staging at intervals, surgical referral decisions, complex aetiology. Document who is providing care.
What if patient stops attending SPC?
Document the discussion (you advised continued SPC, patient declined or moved). Send written reminder. If patient returns later with progression, the documented advice protects you against negligence claims.