Definitions of risk.

Risk-related terms such as risk factor, modifiable risk factor, demographic risk factor, risk indicator, determinant, and risk marker are often not well defined in the literature. This short report supports the use of a 1996 definition of risk factor, as probably the most commonly used term related to risk, for the Consensus Development Conference on Diagnosis and Management of Dental Caries Throughout Life, March 26-28, 2001.