Winner in prevention: The GBT Experience

Survey of over 400,000 patients worldwide

Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) is a systematic, evidence-based and modular concept for professional prevention, periodontal and peri-implant treatment for lifelong maintenance. A unique global survey of over 400,000 patients provided a clear result: more than 94% prefer GBT as a positive overall experience.

Oral health is based on two pillars: firstly, the professional removal of biofilm and dental calculus with intensive oral hygiene education, and secondly, sound advice and motivation for oral health [1–3]. Both pillars have a preventive effect on both oral and general health, as well as on their interaction. However, many patients only attend regular preventive dental appointments if the experience is a positive one and they are involved in the preventive treatment as a responsible partner [4,5]. The EMS concept of Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) developed by universities and dental practitioners fulfills all these requirements [6,7]. The current results of a worldwide patient survey in dental practices that work according to the state-of-the-art GBT method are presented in the following.

Conclusive results

Since the fall of 2021, GBT-certified practices and clinics have been receiving completed questionnaires by their patients for anonymized evaluation (n=400,978, as of November 4, 2024). These comprise seven questions to be rated on a scale of 0 to 5. All responses demonstrated a high level of acceptance for GBT (93.4-94.6%) with approximately 4.7 out of 5.0 possible points. In a direct comparison of GBT with previous methods (hand instruments, brushes and polishing pastes), 94.1% prefer the GBT protocol (Fig. 1). Corresponding results were obtained with 93.6% for the average assessment of freedom from pain.

The vast majority (93.4%) also consider the disclosure of biofilm, an integral part of GBT, to be useful. It is used by the dental hygienist as quality control to ensure that the biofilm has been completely removed and also provides patients with a basis for improved oral hygiene. To offer GBT treatment at the highest level, it is a prerequisite that the practice team receive theoretical and practical training from the Swiss Dental Academy (SDA) – the EMS institute for further education.

Optimal preservation of tooth substance

On the one hand, the professional removal of plaque must be effective and as time-saving as possible. On the other hand, tooth enamel, dentine and root surfaces should be treated with maximum care, even when plaque is removed repeatedly over a long period of time, to avoid loss of substance [8,9]. Loud noise, e.g. from ultrasound instruments, or unpleasant scratching with hand instruments, should be avoided as far as possible. Guided Biofilm Therapy, as a clinical protocol, fulfills these conditions in a scientifically well-documented manner. During professional mechanical plaque removal, the biofilm is first removed as the causative factor with AIR-FLOWING® from all accessible oral surfaces [10]. This can be achieved most effectively and economically using the AIRFLOW® Prophylaxis Master device in combination with the AIRFLOW® MAX or the PERIOFLOW® handpiece and with the use of AIRFLOW® PLUS powder (Figs. 2 and 3) [11].

Only in the second step is a piezoceramic ultrasonic scaler (PIEZON® PS NO PAIN) used to remove the now more visible residual dental calculus. Both technologies are particularly gentle on tissue and are rated by patients as being more pleasant than other instruments [12,13]. Based on a positive overall treatment experience, patients are motivated to return for regular recall appointments. Subsequent “polishing” with rubber cups and paste does not improve surface smoothness and therefore provides no additional benefit [9,14].

The GBT Experience

Patients desire effective prevention delivered at eye level and aligned with state-of-the-art science and technology. To ensure patient loyalty—and thus the economic success of a dental practice—it is crucial to provide preventive treatment that is painless, structured, and relaxed while maximizing efficiency: the GBT Experience. The dental team also benefits from the systematic concept and ergonomically optimized devices and techniques. According to unanimous user feedback, these features help avoid excessive workloads caused by the daily, time-consuming use of hand instruments [15].

To link to the demo: Book a GBT demo this is the rebrandly.

The results of the survey presented here, involving more than 400,000 patients from dental practices that routinely employ GBT, demonstrate the method’s high level of acceptance in everyday clinical practice. These findings confirm study data from the University of Zurich, where 96% of surveyed patients expressed a preference for GBT over traditional methods involving hand instruments and polishers [16]. Guided Biofilm Therapy remains the absolute favorite for professional prevention among patients.

GBT Certification – The Best Investment for Your Practice

Professional prevention at the highest level not only enhances the clinical qualifications of your team but also significantly improves the economic efficiency of your practice. GBT certification ensures standardized clinical and technical quality, backed by the Swiss Dental Academy of EMS.
For more information, visit: https://gbt-dental.com/PF-ZMK1224-DE

First published in ZMK, Vol. 40, issue 11-12, November/December 2024. 684-685, Spitta GmbH. Reprinted with permission

Dr. med. dent. Jan Hermann Koch is a licensed dentist with several years of practical experience, located in Freising, Germany, focusing on conservative dentistry, pediatric dentistry, and periodontology. He has more than 20 years of experience as an editor, independent journalist, and public relations professional. He received his dental degree from the University of Berlin and is a member of the Bavarian Dental Association and the German Association.

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