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.
Management of the developing dentition is a key component of paediatric dental care and focuses on guiding the growth and development of the dentition and supporting structures. Early monitoring and timely intervention can help prevent or reduce the severity of malocclusion and other developmental problems.
Paediatric dentists play an important role in identifying deviations from normal development and implementing preventive or interceptive measures where appropriate.
Core principles include:
Early management of developing dental problems can improve oral function, aesthetics, and long-term oral health outcomes.
Regular clinical examinations should include assessment of dental development, eruption patterns, and occlusion.
Early identification of developing malocclusions allows for timely preventive or interceptive treatment.
Space management and guidance of eruption may help prevent more complex orthodontic problems later in development.
(Evidence-based recommendations are not subject to global agreement scoring.)
(Evaluated for Global Agreement in 2022)
Children with developing dentition problems should receive individualised treatment planning based on their stage of growth and development.
Preventive and interceptive orthodontic measures may be considered to address developing malocclusions and maintain proper arch relationships.
Multidisciplinary collaboration may be required when managing complex developmental or orthodontic conditions.
Regular monitoring is important to ensure that the developing dentition progresses toward normal function and alignment.
To support clinical implementation and knowledge translation, IAPD has developed complementary educational materials.
🎙 IAPD Podcast Series
Relevant discussions within the IAPD Podcast Series may explore growth and development of the dentition and early management strategies in paediatric dentistry.
▶ Listen to the Podcast
🎥 IAPD Webinar
Relevant webinars may address preventive and interceptive orthodontic approaches within paediatric dental care.
▶ Watch the Webinar Recording
International Association of Paediatric Dentistry (IAPD).
IAPD Foundational Articles and Recommendations on Management of the Developing Dentition.
Originally published 2019. Global Agreement Validation 2022.
