A New Periodontal Disease Index adapted for equine anatomy

The aim of this presentation is to review the current staging and grading systems in both humans and equines. The limitations and shortcomings will be discussed and a new possible staging and grading system for PD in horses will be presented. The new staging and grading system is as much as possible compatible with the other grading systems in equine dentistry (Tooth Mobility Index, Peripheral Cariës Grading). Attention will also be given to a standardized nomenclature to improve inter-collegial data exchange. A second paper submitted by the same authors will clinically assess the proposed periodontal disease index.