The role of caries prevention protocol in pediatric dentistry specialty programs

Abstract

Advanced specialty education programs in pediatric dentistry are often overwhelmed with patients who need restorative and surgical care, often on an emergency basis. Still, the Commission on Dental Accreditation Standards for Advanced Specialty Education Programs requires that residents receive didactic and clinical training in the prevention of dental caries. This paper contains several recommendations for strengthening the training of pediatric dental residents in caries risk assessment and prevention, including the suggestion that pediatric dental training programs become "dental homes" for their patients.