Which statement describes periodontal charting in Direct Access?

• A. Measuring pocket depths and recession, recording findings in the periodontal chart to guide referrals and care.
• B. Recording only caries without gingival information.
• C. Replacing radiographs with charting.
• D. Charting should be kept separate from clinical records.

Answer: (A)

Periodontal charting is the systematic recording of the health of the tissues around each tooth, using measurements like probing depths and gingival recession to establish the periodontal status. In Direct Access, the hygienist performs this assessment and documents the findings in the periodontal chart so the care team can plan appropriately. This charting provides a baseline and ongoing record that helps determine if a patient needs referrals or specific treatments. The statement that describes this process is the one that states measuring pocket depths and recession and recording those findings in the periodontal chart to guide referrals and care. Charting includes more than just caries information, is not a replacement for radiographs, and should be integrated with the patient’s clinical records rather than kept separate.