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Dental Anomalies

Originally published: 2019

Republished: 2022 (Global Agreement Validation)

Developed by: IAPD Science Committee

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Version Information

Originally published in 2019.
Republished in 2022 following global agreement validation.

The 2022 version reflects methodological standardisation within the IAPD Consensus & Foundational Articles framework and formal evaluation of international agreement. No substantive changes were made to the clinical recommendations.

Executive Summary

Dental anomalies are developmental disturbances affecting the number, size, shape, structure, or eruption of teeth. These conditions may occur as isolated findings or as part of broader syndromic conditions.

Early recognition of dental anomalies is important for appropriate diagnosis, treatment planning, and long-term management of affected children.

Core principles include:

  • Early diagnosis through clinical and radiographic examination

  • Identification of anomalies affecting tooth number, size, shape, structure, and eruption

  • Recognition of possible syndromic associations

  • Multidisciplinary management when required

  • Individualised treatment planning based on functional and aesthetic needs

The goal of managing dental anomalies is to support optimal oral health, function, and psychosocial well-being throughout childhood and adolescence.

IAPD Recommendations

Evidence-Based Recommendations

Early diagnosis of dental anomalies should be based on careful clinical examination and appropriate radiographic assessment when indicated.

Dental anomalies may affect tooth number, size, morphology, structure, or eruption patterns and should be considered during routine paediatric dental evaluations.

(Evidence-based recommendations are not subject to global agreement scoring.)

Consensus-Based Recommendations

(Evaluated for Global Agreement in 2022)

Children presenting with dental anomalies should be evaluated for possible associated medical or genetic conditions where appropriate.

Management of dental anomalies may require multidisciplinary collaboration between paediatric dentists and other dental or medical specialists depending on the nature and severity of the condition.

Treatment planning should consider the child’s age, dental development, functional needs, and long-term oral health outcomes.

Related Educational Resources

To support clinical implementation and knowledge translation, IAPD has developed complementary educational materials.

🎙 IAPD Podcast Series

Selected topics related to paediatric dental development and anomalies may be discussed within the IAPD Podcast Series.

▶ Listen to the Podcast

🎥 IAPD Webinar

Relevant webinars may address the diagnosis and management of dental anomalies in paediatric patients.

Enamel Defect Detectives, Earn Your Badge! – Dr. Libi (Lubna) Al-Muzian

Suggested Citation

International Association of Paediatric Dentistry (IAPD).
IAPD Foundational Articles and Recommendations on Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART).
Originally published 2019. Global Agreement Validation 2022.

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