Organized by the South African Dental Association (SADA)
Empowering Patients and Students in Periodontics: The 20-80 Rule and Effective Patient Education. Training Future Practitioners to Educate and Engage Patients for Optimal Oral Health
Date: 25 September 2024 (WEB198)
Time: 19:00 - 20:30
Speaker: Dr Michaela Beetge
This webinar emphasizes the concept of the 20-80 rule in periodontics, highlighting the shared responsibility between clinicians and patients and underscoring the importance of training students in patient education. It aims to equip future practitioners with the skills to educate patients, even in challenging environments. The 20-80 rule in periodontics, also known as the "Pareto Principle," is an informal guideline suggesting that 20% of the effort comes from the clinician, while the remaining 80% of results depend significantly on the patient's involvement and effort to achieve optimal outcomes. In practical terms, this means that while periodontal treatment and maintenance provided by dental professionals are crucial, the patient's role in maintaining oral hygiene and following recommended care at home is equally, if not more, important for long-term success. Proper brushing, flossing, and adherence to periodontal maintenance schedules are vital for preventing disease recurrence and maintaining oral health. The principle emphasizes the shared responsibility between the clinician and the patient in achieving optimal periodontal health.