Periodontology is a vital yet often underappreciated area of dentistry. While most dental professionals recognise the importance of gum health, navigating the complexities of periodontal diagnosis, treatment, and patient communication can be challenging. This is precisely why I wrote The Perio Handbook – a concise, practical, and easy-to-use resource designed to support dental professionals in real-world practice.
Why I Wrote The Perio Handbook
Throughout my career as a specialist periodontist, educator, and founder of RW Perio and Perio School, I’ve seen first hand the knowledge gaps that exist when it comes to periodontal care. Whether it’s diagnosing periodontitis, ensuring patient compliance with home care, or mastering non-surgical and surgical treatment approaches, there’s a lot to consider. The goal of The Perio Handbook is simple: to provide a structured yet digestible guide that dental professionals- whether general dentists, hygienists or therapists-can refer to at any stage of their career. It’s not a dense academic textbook but rather a practical toolkit that helps make periodontology more accessible and, dare I say, even enjoyable.
What Makes The Perio Handbook Unique?
Unlike traditional perio textbooks that often delve into exhaustive theoretical discussions, The Perio Handbook is designed for real-world application. Here are some of the key aspects that set it apart:
1. Concise and Practical
Time is precious in clinical practice. This book distills key periodontal concepts into a format that allows for quick reference and easy implementation.
2. Structured for Efficient Learning
The book is divided into clear sections covering:
• Diagnosis and risk assessment
• Non-surgical therapy
• When to refer to a specialist
• Surgical considerations
• Managing patient compliance
• Medico-legal implications
Each chapter is designed to be standalone, so you can dive into a specific topic without having to read the entire book.
3. Focus on the Patient Journey
Understanding periodontics isn’t just about knowing the clinical aspects; it’s also about guiding patients through the process. The book includes insights into:
• How to communicate perio diagnoses effectively
• Strategies to improve patient motivation
• How to handle objections and barriers to compliance
4. Bridging Science with Practicality
Backed by the latest guidelines and research, The Perio Handbook translates complex scientific data into actionable insights that you can use in everyday practice.
5. Reducing Medico-Legal Risks
Periodontology is an area rife with medico-legal challenges. A missed diagnosis, lack of documentation, or failure to refer at the right time can have significant legal implications. This book includes key medico-legal tips to help dental professionals protect themselves while providing the best patient care.
Who is this book for?
1. General Dentists
If you’re a GDP who wants to feel more confident diagnosing and managing periodontal disease, The Perio Handbook is for you. It will help you recognise when to treat, when to refer, and how to ensure your patients understand the importance of their gum health.
2. Hygienists and Therapists
Hygienists and therapists are on the front lines of periodontal care. This book offers valuable insights into improving patient engagement, achieving predictable outcomes with non-surgical therapy, and working more effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
3. Dental Students and New Graduates
Starting out in dentistry can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to periodontology. The Perio Handbook simplifies key perio concepts, making it an excellent study aid or quick reference guide for those in the early stages of their careers.
4. Experienced Periodontists and Specialists
Even for specialists, having a structured, easy-to-reference guide can be useful- whether for refreshing knowledge or for training and mentoring junior colleagues.
The Journey of Writing The Perio Handbook
Writing this book has been a deeply personal journey. In many ways, it feels like my second baby! I wanted to create something that would have a lasting impact- something that would make periodontology feel more approachable and help dental professionals feel more confident in their perio knowledge. The book took me 3 years to write but I’m glad I did it. The process involved countless hours of research, refining content, and structuring the material in a way that would be both comprehensive and easy to digest. The launch event at The Dorchester was a milestone moment, and seeing the book in the hands of so many passionate dental professionals has been incredibly rewarding. The book recently became an International Best Seller on Amazon.
How to Get The Perio Handbook
The Perio Handbook is now available on Amazon! You can order your copy here: https://amzn.eu/d/bigqHJo
When to Refer to RW Perio
At RW Perio, our specialist team is dedicated to providing advanced periodontal care for patients requiring treatment beyond general practice. If you’re a dentist looking for support with periodontal cases-such as severe periodontitis, mucogingival surgery, or implant-related gum issues-our referral process is straightforward. We work closely with referring dentists to ensure seamless patient care and always return patients to your practice for ongoing maintenance. To refer a patient, visit http://www.rwperio.com/refer
Further Learning: Perio School Courses
For those looking to expand their knowledge and enhance their clinical skills, Perio School offers a range of high-quality courses. Our most popular courses include:
• Diploma in Periodontics– A structured programme over the course of a year to give you more advanced accredited skills in periodontics.
• Crown Lengthening Course– Hands-on training on functional and aesthetic crown lengthening, including case selection and surgical techniques.
• Hygienist Course– Practical skills and theoretical learning to elevate the role of hygienists in periodontal management.
To explore these courses and more, visit http://www.perio.school/