6 Point Pocket Charting (6PPC): Sites, BPE & Recording Guide

A six-point pocket chart, or 6PPC, records periodontal measurements at six sites around each tooth. It gives site-level information that a sextant BPE score cannot provide. The chart supports assessment and follow-up; it does not establish a diagnosis by itself.

This guide separates the clinical examination from the job of entering the results. You still examine and measure. A nurse, keyboard or voice-charting tool helps you record what you find.

What are the six sites?

Assess three sites on the outer surface and three on the inner surface of each tooth. Palatal describes the inner surface of upper teeth; lingual describes the inner surface of lower teeth.

This names the sites, not a mandatory dictation sequence. Some charting screens run distal–central–mesial and others mesial–central–distal. Agree the order before starting and check it again when you change surfaces. See SDCEP's advice on what to record.

When is a six-point pocket chart needed?

BPE is a screening examination, not a substitute for a detailed periodontal chart. SDCEP's interpretation of BPE scores, based on BSP guidance, distinguishes these situations:

Individual findings influence assessment and treatment. These are not automatic treatment rules, and a low BPE score does not exclude an attachment-loss problem. Read the full SDCEP BPE interpretation guidance when deciding what the patient needs.

What should you record?

Pocket depth and bleeding on probing are central to the record. Baseline assessment may also need recession, mobility, furcation involvement and suppuration. Record the relevant dentition and support the examination with other findings, including radiographic information where indicated. SDCEP distinguishes comprehensive baseline assessment from charting during treatment or maintenance; not every visit needs an identical set of entries. Read its recording guidance.

Keep the units and chart legend clear. A blank field, an absent tooth and a measured zero are different things. If your software pre-fills values, confirm that the final chart represents the examination rather than an untouched default.

Pocket depth is measured from the gingival margin to the base of the pocket. Clinical attachment level uses a fixed reference, usually the cemento-enamel junction. Where the margin lies apical to that reference, recession adds to pocket depth; where it lies coronal, the calculation differs. Check the sign convention before interpreting an automatically calculated value. SDCEP explains these periodontal measurements.

A practical recording sequence

1. Prepare the chart. Confirm the patient, date and actual teeth present. Choose the surface, starting tooth and entry order.
2. Call out unambiguous readings. Identify the tooth and surface when needed. Keep the same order within each group of three readings.
3. Keep findings distinct. Record bleeding and other observations in the appropriate fields, rather than leaving a number without context.
4. Check a section before moving on. Resolve missing or implausible entries while the examination is still fresh.
5. Review the whole record. Confirm the chart belongs to this appointment and that the saved or exported copy contains your corrections.

This is a recording workflow, not a probing technique protocol. Use your clinical training and the relevant professional guidance for the examination itself.

How voice periodontal charting works

In Dentistry Dashboard, choose a starting tooth, surface and measurement order, then record the readings you call out. You can record a surface or use the full-chart recording flow. Stop the recording for processing, review the populated chart and edit any entries that need correction.

The chart supports PDF download and copy options. Check the export in your receiving record system before relying on the transfer. This reduces the need to type measurements; it does not measure pockets, validate every reading or replace your clinical review.

See the voice periodontal charting workflow. If your main task is writing the consultation record, AI Dental Notes turns a recording or dictated summary into a draft using your selected template.

Does voice charting replace the periodontal examination?

No. The clinician examines the patient and provides the measurements. Voice charting helps enter them into the chart. You remain responsible for checking the readings and interpreting the findings.

How long does six-point pocket charting take?

There is no single reliable time for every patient. Dentition, clinical findings, probing, discussion and corrections all affect the appointment. Compare the recording effort in your own workflow rather than treating a software speed claim as an examination target.

Common errors to catch before saving

• Wrong tooth or surface: compare the starting position with the chart header.
• Reversed measurement order: verify what the first and third values mean in the selected mode.
• Missing teeth treated as measured teeth: check the dentition before recording.
• An incomplete chart presented as complete: distinguish unrecorded sites from examined sites.
• A diagnosis inferred from one number: use the full assessment and appropriate classification guidance.

A useful chart is one that another clinician can interpret and that you can compare meaningfully at review. SDCEP explains the role of a full periodontal examination in diagnosis, treatment planning and monitoring outcomes.

Further references

• SDCEP periodontal assessment guidance
• BSP professional publications and guidance
• Palmer notation and printable tooth chart