What is the relationship between PSR and caries detection?

• A. PSR focuses on periodontal status; caries assessment is separate and does not determine PSR codes.
• B. PSR includes caries scoring.
• C. Caries scoring determines PSR codes.
• D. Caries cannot be detected by any screening.

Answer: (A)

PSR is a quick, focused screening tool for periodontal health. It assigns codes based on the deepest probing depth and other periodontal signs (such as bleeding, calculus, recession, and furcation indications) in each sextant. This system is specifically designed to gauge periodontal status and determine the need for more thorough periodontal assessment or referral. It does not incorporate caries findings into the PSR code, because caries is a separate disease process that is assessed and recorded independently.

In practice, you would chart the PSR code for periodontal health and, on a separate note, record caries status using appropriate caries surveys or indices (such as DMF or ICDAS) and radiographs if needed. The presence of caries won’t change the PSR code, though both conditions are important for overall oral health planning.