Chronic periodontal disease presents a unique challenge to the dental profession, not only in its recognition, diagnosis and treatment, but also in public and patient education. Epidemiologic surveys may place the prevalence of the chronic gum diseases at the highest levels but the public has accepted the most obvious sign, bleeding, as 'normal' and only in the later stages of the disease is treatment demanded. Thus dental practitioners must be the first to recognize periodontal disease and then must persuade the patient to take personal action and to seek professional assistance. In the past decade there have been many changes in periodontal concepts. A more conservative basis to treatment and to general management is now well accepted, with disease control rather than cure as the major objective, and regular maintenance a necessity. Disease activity is the primary criterion by which both dentist and patient should recognize and monitor periodontal treatment needs. The use of current concepts to introduce a simple specific and realistic screening and monitoring examination is introduced. It utilizes the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN) developed by the Oral Health Unit of WHO in 1981. This index, designed for population surveys, has been adapted for use in general practice. Examples drawn from a 1-year trial are presented and it will be seen that the Index provides meaningful information to both dentist and patient, an immediate indication of treatment needs and a method of monitoring progress.