CONNECTING CARIES SCREENING TO PREVENTIVE CARE: A REVIEW OF DENTIST-GUIDED REFERRAL AND REMINERALIZATION PATHWAYS

Abstract

Dental caries is one of the most prevalent oral health issues globally, impacting people of all ages and contributing to the substantial burden on health systems. Effective screening techniques that identify carious lesions early give the opportunity to change the direction of dental care from the restorative care to preventive management. The aim of this review is to examine the relationship between caries screening, dentist led referral pathways and remineralisation based preventive strategies. The study reviews the importance of early detection in identifying persons at risk, in providing individualized preventive measures, and in managing non-cavitated carious lesions. Interpretation of screening results and recommendations for preventive services are critical areas where the dentist's role is important and must be articulated. The use of evidence-based remineralization strategies such as fluoride supplementation, calcium-phosphonate agents, and behavior modification strategies are important aspects of the dentist's role. The review also emphasizes the need to combine the results of screening with implementing structured referral process to improve early intervention and lower the risk of dental caries progression. There is current evidence that using accurate screening techniques, along with a pathway of preventive care approaches, can make a difference in the oral health outcomes and reduce the need for more invasive dental care. This review highlights the importance of a coordinated approach with a dentist that links early caries detection with appropriate preventative and remineralisation measures.