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.
Caries risk assessment is a fundamental component of modern paediatric dental care and provides a structured approach for identifying children at risk of developing dental caries. By evaluating biological, behavioural, and clinical factors, dental professionals can tailor preventive and therapeutic strategies to the individual needs of each child.
Care pathways based on risk assessment allow for personalised management plans, helping to prioritise prevention, early intervention, and appropriate treatment.
Core principles include:
Risk-based care supports more effective prevention, optimises treatment planning, and promotes better long-term oral health outcomes for children.
Caries risk assessment should be performed as part of routine paediatric dental examinations.
Assessment should consider a combination of clinical findings, behavioural factors, and social determinants that influence caries risk.
Risk-based care pathways should guide preventive interventions, recall intervals, and treatment planning.
(Evidence-based recommendations are not subject to global agreement scoring.)
(Evaluated for Global Agreement in 2022)
Children identified as being at higher risk of dental caries should receive intensified preventive strategies and more frequent monitoring.
Caries risk status should be reassessed regularly, as risk levels may change over time.
Care pathways should integrate preventive, behavioural, and clinical management strategies tailored to the child’s individual risk profile.
Effective communication with caregivers is essential to support implementation of preventive recommendations and long-term disease control.
To support clinical implementation and knowledge translation, IAPD has developed complementary educational materials.
🎙 IAPD Podcast Series
Relevant discussions within the IAPD Podcast Series explore risk-based approaches to caries prevention and personalised paediatric dental care.
1️⃣ From Evidence to Practice: IAPD’s Consensus-Driven Approach to Caries Risk Assessment and Tailored Care Pathways
Presenter: Dr Vineet Dhar
2️⃣ Clinical Decision-Making for Caries Management in Children
Presenter: Dr Norman Tinanoff
🎥 IAPD Webinar
Relevant webinars address risk assessment strategies and clinical decision-making in the prevention and management of dental caries.
▶ Watch the Webinar Recording
International Association of Paediatric Dentistry (IAPD).
IAPD Foundational Articles and Recommendations on Caries Risk Assessment and Care Pathways.
Originally published 2019. Global Agreement Validation 2022.
