Name a standard assessment tool used in complementing patient care plans.

The periodontal probe is an essential standard assessment tool used in dental hygiene and care planning because it allows hygienists to measure the depth of periodontal pockets around teeth. This measurement is crucial for assessing the health of the gums and the presence of periodontal disease. The data collected from probing can indicate the severity of gum disease, help evaluate treatment outcomes, and guide the development of individualized patient care plans.

Using a periodontal probe, a dental hygienist can gather quantitative data that informs clinical decisions, including scaling and root planing requirements and the need for further periodontal referrals or treatments. It plays a vital role in monitoring changes in periodontal health over time, making it invaluable for both diagnosis and ongoing patient care.