1. Oral Health Training & Calibration Programme
Debris & Calculus Indices

2. Calibration Challenge Examples
Debris removed by first examiner may lead to lower score by second examiner
Therefore the training will focus on the technique rather than actual score

3. Principles -Sensing force - 20 grams
test this by placing the probe tip under the thumb nail and press until blanching occurs
-Sensing subgingival calculus
the lightest possible force that will allow movement of the probe along the tooth surface should be used
More on this as we work through the indicies

4. Debris Index - sextants55
17/16 51 11 65
26/27
Buccal
Lingual
47/46 85 31 71
36/37 75
Index teeth are scored once they reach the full occlusal plane.
Permanent teeth take precedence
Additional substitutions are allowed, see pit fall document, do not use crowned teeth to assess

5. Substitutions If both the 6 and 7 are present
record the worst score of the 2 teeth.
If only the 6 or 7 is present
score the one present only.
If both the 6 and 7 are missing
use the 4 and 5 and record the worst score of the 2 teeth.
If the 6 and 7 and one or both of the bicuspids are missing
then a score for the area cannot be determined
(i.e. if only one premolar is present for a posterior sextant, then you do not score).
For missing upper incisors the order of substitution is
11, 21, 12, 22, 13 23
For missing lower incisors the order of substitution is
31, 41, 32, 42, 33, 43

6. Debris Index – On All Ages
Only score fully erupted teeth
Drag probe across tooth: Look for plaque or debris piling up or extrinsic staining
Crowned teeth and those reduced in height due to caries, restoration or trauma are excluded, use alternate tooth
Buccal
Occlusal view: lower incisors

7. Debris Index 0 1 2 3 0. No soft debris or stain
1. Less than 1/3 of surface covered
2. 1/3 to 2/3 of surface covered
3. More than 2/3 of surface covered
4. Primary and permanent teeth missing or unscoreable
5. Teeth unavailable for debris and calculus e.g. crowned
NB Extrinsic stain also counted as debris

8. Extrinsic stain <1/3

9. Calculus 0 1 2 3 0. No calculus 1. Less than 1/3 of surface covered
0. No calculus
1. Less than 1/3 of surface covered
2. 1/3 to 2/3 of surface covered or flecks of subgingival calculus OR both
3. More than 2/3 of surface covered or heavy band of subgingival calculus OR both