Glossary entry
Guided Biofilm Therapy
Also called: GBT
Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) is an 8-step prophylaxis protocol developed by EMS that prioritizes biofilm disclosure, air polishing, and ultrasonic scaling in a specific sequence.
What is guided biofilm therapy?
Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) is a manufacturer-led dental prophylaxis protocol introduced by EMS Dental in 2017. The protocol structures a recall appointment into eight steps: assess, disclose, motivate, instrument with air polishing (AIRFLOW / PERIOFLOW), instrument with piezoelectric ultrasonics (PIEZON PS), check for remaining biofilm, recall scheduling, and final check.
GBT's clinical logic is that biofilm is the primary target, disclosure reveals what would otherwise be missed, and mechanical instrumentation sequences from least to most invasive (air polishing before ultrasonics before hand instrumentation).
When is it used?
GBT is typically used for:
- Supportive periodontal therapy and maintenance recall
- Peri-implant maintenance
- Clinics positioning around patient comfort and minimally invasive prophylaxis
- Practices standardized on EMS equipment (AIRFLOW Prophylaxis Master, GBT Machine)