The standard of care in hygiene is changing. Periodontal management is shifting from a purely mechanical model toward

biofilm-centered therapy, treating periodontal disease as a dysbiosis. This session introduces air polishing as the easiest way

to make that shift. We will examine the science behind biofilm disruption as a therapeutic target, how it changes the hygiene

appointment workflow, and its impact on recall frequency and patient experience. The session closes with an introduction to

the PT-B and PT-E and real case examples.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

- Describe the paradigm shift from mechanical/calculus-focused therapy to

biofilm-centered hygiene therapy, including the dysbiosis model of periodontal disease.

- Explore the rationales for air polishing as an evidence-based intervention.

- Identify the workflow changes required to integrate air polishing into a standard

hygiene appointment.

- Describe how the patient experience with air polishing supports retention at the recommended hygiene interval.

- Compare the PT-B and PT-E air polishing/ultrasonic scaling units.