Non-Surgical Therapy End-Points — ORE Part 1 MCQ

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ModeratePeriodontologyNon-Surgical Therapy End-PointsORE Part 1

A patient with Stage III periodontitis attends for reassessment 8–12 weeks after Step 2 subgingival instrumentation. Which finding best represents the intended endpoint of successful non-surgical periodontal therapy?

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Correct answer: B — Pocket depths of 4 mm or less without bleeding

Explanation lettering: E = shown as A · A = shown as B · D = shown as C · B = shown as D · C = shown as E

A is correct. UK SDCEP guidance, implementing the BSP-S3 guideline, identifies shallow probing pocket depths of 4 mm or less with no bleeding at 4 mm sites as a treatment goal associated with periodontal stability or remission. This is the relevant clinical endpoint at reassessment after non-surgical therapy. Bone regeneration is not an expected endpoint of subgingival instrumentation alone (B). A probing depth of zero is neither physiologically realistic nor required (C). Reduced inflammation may improve mobility, but complete resolution is not a defined endpoint and depends on attachment and occlusal factors (D). Furcation involvement may persist despite successful control of inflammation and pocketing; its elimination is not required to define Step 2 success (E).

Reference: Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP). Prevention and Treatment of Periodontal Diseases in Primary Dental Care: Clinical parameters, 2026. https://www.periodontalcare.sdcep.org.uk/guidance/treatment-components/assessing-treatment-response/clinical-parameters/