Translating science into action--prevention of periodontal disease at patient level.

For years, prevention of periodontal disease has focused mainly on improving patient oral hygiene. The role of the dentist and dental hygienist was to 'motivate' the patient to adopt the proper technique for plaque removal. Today, prevention has shifted to a broader and more comprehensive approach with preventive interventions that target local etiologic as well as general risk factors. The present report, which focuses on prevention at the patient level, describes the current trend in preventive care characterized by a global and patient-centered approach.