Being able to include patient details to evaluate & assess periodontal risk alongside the probing depths examination is an excellent tool. It provides an accurate risk assessment of their periodontal health, which is becoming all the more relevant for maintaining a legal record of treatment.

As a patient education tool the Florida Probe is fantastic. The print outs including the education sheets are very clear & concise.

There is scope for the operator to personalise the information sheets. The fact that at the follow-up appointment the chart clearly shows the differences and exactly where improvement or deterioration has occurred is a great advantage.

I particularly like the calibrations. Unlike manual probing, I don't have to worry about a slightly impaired field of vision as long as I can get a good placement I know the probing depth will be consistently accurate.

Jacqui Mcnair, Dollar Dental Care, Clackmannanshire

Lycia Middleton qualified as a Dental Hygienist 19 years ago, and joined The Smile Spa in Stockton-upon-Tees three years ago, where she was introduced to The Florida Probe.

"My first reaction was that it was a little complicated, but soon with training from the team, I mastered it and now find it extremely helpful: I couldn't imagine working without it! I use it every day.

Once a year all patients are examined using The Florida Probe. Being able to hear the readings really involves the patients and lets them know if there are any problems. We print off two copies of the report, one for the patient and one for the notes, to compare progression between appointments. It highlights the areas that need more attention and it also shows where they've made improvements.

With children we use the Plaque Score section, which shows them how much of their mouth is clean, and how much is dirty, highlighting the areas where they need to pay extra attention. I find it gets a very positive reaction from both the children and their parents.

All-in-all, I find The Florida Probe extremely helpful."

Dr John Turner explains why he has used the Florida Probe System for the past four years.

"The main reason is continuity of probing. Whether it is the hygienist, or myself I know the results recorded will be consistent, unlike manual probing where it is dependent on the operative.

The Florida Probe System is quick to learn and I like the way it provides an overall picture of what is happening. It means we can follow through with an effective treatment plan specific to the patient's needs.

I find the 'spider graft' of risk factors especially useful being able to factor in the particular lifestyle and medical details of the patient, such as diabetes or being a smoker, means the treatment plan is specific for each individual.

For the patient, being able to hear the results of the examination, and being able to see the report that highlights areas of concern is important. We find patients are motivated to make the changes necessary to make improvements.

From a medical / legal perspective, the Florida Probe is accepted as evidence that periodontal care has been taking place. With the renewed focus on preventative oral healthcare, the Florida Probe is a great attribute to any practice."

Melonie Prebble, hygienist for Senova Dental Studios explains why she uses the Florida Probe System, "The system not only produces accurate reproducible results, but it's also really fantastic for recording data un-assisted. Patients simply relate to the voice recording and excellent graphics. The Florida Probe has eased my work stress and increased my productivity and above all motivated my patients."

Patient's current and previous conditions are recorded and compared using periodontal charting, enabling instant identification of improvements or deterioration. The patient's risk of periodontal infection or re-infection is calculated based on specific risk factors. The system even includes its own patient education videos, multi-lingual "talking" probes and much more.

Measure, assess, treat and diagnose periodontal pockets instantly and beyond expectations with the new Florida Probe System.

“We realised that when we spent time explaining to the patient exactly why they needed the hygienist’s skills, we got much better results. So as a team, we devised our systematised Steps to Health programme… The Florida Probe is central to Steps to Health as it is an excellent way to give patients a professional and easily understood way of measuring and monitoring their gum health. Our patients are now on board and keen for their appointments, knowing exactly what to expect.”