BPE
Also written as: BPE — Basic Periodontal Examination
Basic Periodontal Examination — a screening tool using a graduated probe and sextant-based scoring system to assess periodontal health and guide treatment need.
Full Definition
The BPE (Basic Periodontal Examination) is a rapid chairside screening system adopted from the WHO Community Periodontal Index and used widely in UK general dental practice. The mouth is divided into six sextants and scored 0–4 (with an asterisk for furcation involvement), guiding the clinician toward appropriate treatment or referral pathways. The BPE score must be recorded at examination appointments and is a mandatory component of clinical record-keeping in many national guidelines. Editors should ensure scores are presented as single digits (0–4*) per sextant, not as composite totals.
Usage
Usage note: Expand to 'Basic Periodontal Examination' on first use in clinical reports; present individual sextant scores, not totals.
In Context
- "The dental examination record showed a BPE score of 3 in the upper right sextant." — Dental examination record
- "A BPE code 4 triggered referral to the periodontist for comprehensive assessment." — Clinical protocol guideline