Beyond the Prophy: Reclaiming the Purpose of Periodontal Maintenance

In this powerful episode, host Rachel Wall, RDH takes a deep dive into a topic that’s often overlooked but absolutely essential: periodontal maintenance—and why it’s so much more than just checking a box.

🦷 Many dental teams unknowingly let patients slip through the cracks with under-evaluated perio protocols. Rachel walks through how to assess whether your perio program is stable or slipping, what your perio percentage really means, and how to identify red flags in maintenance care. She also breaks down the science, mindset shifts, and clinical strategies needed to deliver truly exceptional care—and protect the hard-earned healing your patients have achieved.

✅ What you’ll learn in this episode:

What periodontal maintenance really is—and what it’s not

Why a low perio percentage might indicate a big problem

Four reasons perio patients are high-risk for relapse

The dangers of "bleeding blindness" and "stable inflammation"

Why documentation and consistent diagnostics are key

The CDT code breakdown for 4910 and what payers look for

How to reframe maintenance as proactive, life-saving care

Perio Calculator Tool 

https://inspiredhygiene.com/perio-tool/

AAP Periodontal Health Paper

https://aap.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/JPER.16-0517

Why Your Patients Are In Perio Purgatory- ACT Best Practices Show podcast episode

https://www.actdental.com/podcast/?wchannelid=lla42lxvs4&wmediaid=nb08uv3o6p

🎯 Whether you're a hygienist, dentist, or practice leader, this episode will challenge you to rethink the way you approach maintenance—and unlock the hidden growth opportunities inside your hygiene program.

💬 If this episode resonated with you, leave a comment or review and share it with a colleague!

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