BPE Technique — ORE Part 1 MCQ

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EasyPeriodontologyBPE TechniqueORE Part 1

Which technique is correct when carrying out a Basic Periodontal Examination (BPE) in an adult patient?

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Correct answer: E — Use a WHO BPE probe; examine six sextants; walk around each tooth; record the highest sextant code

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

**A is correct.** In an adult BPE, the dentition is divided into six sextants. All teeth in each sextant are examined with the WHO BPE probe, which has a 0.5 mm ball end. The probe is walked around the gingival margin of each tooth, and the highest code found in that sextant is recorded, with furcation involvement denoted by an asterisk where present. BPE is therefore a sextant-based screening examination, not a full pocket chart. Options B and C use inappropriate instruments and recording methods. Option D omits posterior teeth, which must be included unless the sextant arrangement is modified because of tooth absence. Option E describes elements of a full periodontal examination: a UNC-15 is a calibrated probe used for detailed periodontal charting, not routine BPE screening.

Reference: Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme. Prevention and Treatment of Periodontal Diseases in Primary Care: “BPE screening of adults”, current webpage accessed July 24, 2026. https://www.periodontalcare.sdcep.org.uk/guidance/assessment/clinical-examination/periodontal-probing/bpe-screening-of-adults/