Task allocation in periodontal treatment among older adults in public oral health services in Helsinki, Finland, from 2007 to 2016
Abstract
The demand for non-surgical periodontal treatment (NSPT) is increasing due to longer life expectancy and reduced edentulism. This descriptive study examined quantitatively the task allocation between dentists and dental hygienists and the influence of patient age on NSPT provision using aggregated data from electronic patient records of patients aged 60+ attending public oral healthcare in Helsinki, Finland, in the period 2007-2016. Nearly 50% of the patients received NSPT, either time-based or complex treatments. Of all appointments, 7% involved time-based NSPT by dentists and 13% by dental hygienists. NSPT comprised 98% of all periodontal procedures, with dental hygienists performing 60%. Dentists mainly provided short (
Fields of Study & Subjects
Oral microbiology and periodontitis research
Dental Health and Care Utilization
Dental Research and COVID-19
Publication details
- Journal / source
- European Journal Of Oral Sciences
- Volume
- 134
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- e70068–e70068
- Publication date
- 4 January 2026
- Language
- EN