OBJECTIVETo develop an electronic system (software) for collecting and analyzing periodontal examination data, and preliminarily evaluate its clinical application.

METHODSThe contents and frame of electronic periodontal examination system were designed based on the aim and requirement of periodontal examination, and the software system was developed under the assistance from computer engineers. The electronic system was implemented for entry, storage, retrieval and output of clinical data and data conversion. A questionnaire survey was performed in 23 periodontists and 20 nurses to evaluate the clinical application of this software.

RESULTSAn electronic periodontal examination system was developed, which was used for entry, storage, retrieval and output of clinical data, and converting data into chart. Most nurses could handle this software after 15 minutes of training. Thirteen nurses and 17 periodontists recognized that clinical work efficiency could be improved by application of this software. Nineteen nurses and all periodontists agreed that this software could meet clinical requirements.

CONCLUSIONSThe electronic periodontal examination system can fulfill clinical requirements and is helpful for clinical treatment and research work.