A BPE (Basic Periodontal Examination) score of 3 or 4 signals likely periodontitis and triggers a full assessment. This free calculator converts that screen into the 2017 World Workshop / BSP UK interpretation: Stage (I–IV) from bone loss and pocketing, and Grade (A–C) from the bone-loss-to-age ratio.
The BPE divides the mouth into six sextants. A WHO BPE probe is walked around each tooth and the highest code in each sextant is recorded. The highest code across the mouth determines the next step.
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 0 | Healthy — no bleeding, no calculus / plaque-retentive factors, pockets < 3.5 mm. |
| 1 | Bleeding on probing — no calculus / plaque-retentive factors, pockets < 3.5 mm. |
| 2 | Calculus or plaque-retentive factor present — pockets still < 3.5 mm. |
| 3 | Probing depth 3.5–5.5 mm — coloured band partially visible. Periodontitis likely; stage and grade. |
| 4 | Probing depth > 5.5 mm — coloured band disappears. Periodontitis; full assessment required. |
| * | Furcation involvement — added to any code where a multi-rooted tooth furcation is detected. |
Codes 0–2 indicate no pocketing requiring staging — assess for gingivitis from the bleeding-on-probing percentage. Codes 3–4 prompt radiographs and a full periodontal assessment, then staging and grading under the 2017 World Workshop classification as implemented for the UK by the British Society of Periodontology.
The Basic Periodontal Examination (BPE) is a UK screening tool that divides the mouth into six sextants and records the highest code (0 to 4, plus * for furcation) in each. It is a quick screen that signals whether a more detailed periodontal assessment — including staging and grading — is needed.
BPE code 3 indicates a probing depth of 3.5 to 5.5 mm, where the coloured band of the WHO probe is partially visible. It points to likely periodontitis in that sextant and prompts a full assessment with radiographs to determine stage and grade.
BPE code 4 indicates a probing depth greater than 5.5 mm, where the coloured band of the probe disappears into the pocket. It signals advanced periodontal breakdown and the need for comprehensive periodontal assessment, staging and grading.
BPE is a screen, not a diagnosis. A BPE of 3 or 4 triggers a full assessment under the 2017 World Workshop / BSP UK classification. Stage (I to IV) reflects severity and complexity from interdental attachment loss and bone loss; grade (A to C) reflects the rate of progression, estimated from the bone-loss-to-age ratio and risk factors.
The interpretation follows the 2017 World Workshop classification (Caton et al. 2018; Tonetti et al. 2018) as implemented for the UK by the British Society of Periodontology (BSP) Implementation Guide, with treatment framing aligned to the EFP S3 guidelines and SDCEP periodontal guidance.
No. This tool is an educational reference that organises established classification thresholds. It does not replace a full clinical examination, radiographic assessment, professional judgement, or current BSP and SDCEP guidance. Always confirm any interpretation against the source guidelines.
This tool is for education/reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current BSP/SDCEP guidance.
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