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. 2021 Dec;231(12):769-774.
doi: 10.1038/s41415-021-3732-2. Epub 2021 Dec 17.

From 'ICDAS' to 'CariesCare International': the 20-year journey building international consensus to take caries evidence into clinical practice

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From 'ICDAS' to 'CariesCare International': the 20-year journey building international consensus to take caries evidence into clinical practice

Nigel B Pitts et al. Br Dent J. 2021 Dec.

Abstract

This paper charts the 20-year collaborative journey made by international teams of dental researchers, educators and practitioners. Following the initial development of the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) in 2002, the International Caries Classification and Management System (ICCMS) was collaboratively developed between 2010-2017 with several dental research and practice organisations, and influenced by best evidence judged via SIGN methodology, the UNEP Minamata Treaty (and linked phasing down of dental amalgam), three Dental Policy Labs and an international movement in operative dentistry to move towards minimally invasive dentistry. The FDI World Dental Federation publicised and advocated the ICCMS in 2019, when the 'CariesCare International' Consensus Guide and 4D caries management system was published to aid the delivery of ICCMS into practice. This system, which is designed to help practitioners deliver optimal caries care for patients, is now being adapted internationally for post-pandemic use in the 'Caries OUT' study. It is also being used as a vehicle for implementing the updated Delivering better oral health guidance on caries, as part of the minimum intervention oral healthcare delivery framework in the UK.

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Conflict of interest statement

NBP is Founding Chair of the ICDAS Foundation Charity Board, a member of the CariesCare International Executive. SM has been a member of the ICDAS Coordinating Committee since 2004, the ICDAS Board since 2019, is Executive Chair of CariesCare International. MEM is a member of the CariesCare International Executive. GG is a member of the CariesCare International Executive. All authors otherwise declare no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
The historical context
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Phasing up caries prevention and MI management with ICCMS, logos reproduced with permission from ACFF, ICDAS Foundation and CariesCare International
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
The Global Collaboratory for Caries Management, logo and illustrations reproduced with permission from ACFF; logos reproduced with permission from ICDAS Foundation, CariesCare International and King's College London
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Using the CariesCare 4D model within the MIOC framework for delivering better oral health

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