Presented by: Christine Crawford, RDH, B.Sc., M.Ed

Classify with Confidence: Real-Life Cases, Real Clinical Decisions Using the AAP Classifications

CE Hours: 4

Online Date:

Part 1: Thursday, November 19th, 2026 - 7:00 Pm - 9:00 PM EST

Part 2: Thursday, November 26th, 2026 - 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM EST

Course Description:

Accurate application of the 2017 AAP Classification System remains one of the most challenging aspects of periodontal assessment and documentation in daily clinical practice. While many dental hygienists understand the theory, translating classification criteria into confident, defensible clinical decisions, particularly in complex or “grey area” cases, can be difficult.

This interactive, case-based course is designed to bridge the gap between theory and real-world clinical application. The first half of the course provides a focused review of the AAP Classification framework, with emphasis on common areas of confusion, including staging versus grading, localized versus generalized disease, stability, and distinguishing periodontitis from other conditions affecting the periodontium. Rather than re-teaching definitions, this portion of the course emphasizes clinical reasoning and decision-making to support accurate diagnosis and documentation.

The second half of the course is entirely participant driven. Each participant will be required to bring an unidentified, real-life client case from their own practice, specifically a case they feel uncertain about or would like clarification on. Christine will share these cases and work through classification decisions, documentation language, and client communication strategies. Real clinical complexities are explored, validated, and clarified, allowing participants to leave with greater confidence in applying AAP classifications in their own practices.

This course is ideal for dental hygienists seeking to strengthen their clinical reasoning, documentation accuracy, and confidence when applying AAP classifications to everyday patient care.

Course Objectives

· Review and interpret the components of the 2017 AAP Classification System, including staging, grading, extent, distribution, and stability, as they apply to everyday clinical practice.

· Differentiate between localized and generalized periodontitis using clinical and radiographic findings, with emphasis on common areas of confusion in real-world cases.

· Apply clinical reasoning to distinguish periodontitis from other conditions affecting the periodontium based on patient presentation, risk factors, and periodontal findings.

· Analyze real-life, unidentified client cases to determine appropriate AAP classification, including stage, grade, and stability.

· Formulate clear, accurate, and defensible periodontal diagnosis statements that support regulatory and documentation requirements.

· Justify classification decisions using clinical evidence, risk assessment, and current AAP guidelines.

· Communicate periodontal diagnoses effectively to clients using client-centred language that supports understanding and informed consent.

· Identify situations where reclassification, referral, or modification of the treatment plan is indicated based on disease progression or response to therapy.

Session 1:

Key focus areas:

AAP classification framework review (Staging, Grading, Extent, Distribution)
Common grey zones in classification:
- Localized vs generalized confusion
- Stable vs unstable vs in remission interpretation
- Periodontitis vs other conditions affecting the periodontium
- Peri-implantitis
Documentation wording that aligns with regulatory expectations
Clinical cues that change a classification decision

Session 2:

Structure:

Each participant brings one unidentified real client case from their own practice
The client is one they feel uncertain about or want validation on
No identifying client information (PHIPA-compliant)

Case elements participants are asked to complete prior to Session 2: (Christine will provide the template)

Age range and relevant medical history
Periodontal findings (PDs, CAL, BOP, radiographic bone loss description)
Risk factors
Current or previous diagnosis (if any)
Their current uncertainty (e.g., “Is this Stage II or III?”, “Is this unstable?”)

Recordings

We encourage you to join us live whenever possible so you can participate in the discussion, ask questions and enjoy the full learning experience.

All sessions are recorded and automatically uploaded to your rdhu Members Portal within 2–3 business days—there is no need to request access. You will receive immediate access to the course materials and portal, where the recording, post-test quiz and certificate will be available following the course. Recordings remain available for 30 days after they are uploaded.