Periodontal diseases supports the use of the CPITN as an epidemiological screening procedure for periodontal treatment needs in populations and also, in a modified form for screening and monitoring of individuals by dental practitioners.
The CPITN is primarily a screening procedure which requires clinical assessment for the presence or absence of periodontal pockets, calculus and gingival bleeding.
Use of a special CPITN periodontal probe (or its equivalent) is recommended.