Case planning and management according to caries risk assessment.

Ultimately, the dentist's role is to guide children through their growth and development free of disease. The dentist must recognize each child's unique susceptibility to caries and each parent's interest, competency, and accomplishment in controlling this disease. With this recognition, it is possible to tailor the frequency and content of dental visits necessary to maintain a child caries-free. Similarly, the frequency of examinations, office topical fluoride treatments, radiographs, and other diagnostic or preventive interventions depends upon the dentist's assessment of how intense professional efforts need to be to help parents maintain their children in health. Goldman and Burket summarized the relationship between science and practice and detailed the responsibilities of clinicians with the following words: "The practice of dentistry is an art in which the teachings of dental science are put to their practical application. A patient visits the dentist for consultation on the state of health of the dentition, with the expectation that everything possible will be done not only to repair or help heal by therapeutic correction any disease present but also to prevent disease from occurring, if possible." Treating caries at the level of the disease process to prevent its expression, progression, and ultimate dental destruction is the highest calling and deepest challenge facing dentists who care for young children. Techniques including risk assessment, triage, tailored care, and thoughtful treatment grounded in dental and behavioral science have put that goal within reach of dentists and parents to the great benefit of children.