CV
- Graduated from the Federico Villarreal National University, Lima - Peru (2009)
- Master's Degree in Dentistry from the University of San Martin de Porres, Lima - Peru (2017)
- PhD in medical sciences from Radboud University, Nijmegen - The Netherlands (2019)
- Member the Cariology Group of the Latin American Region of the IADR.
Minimal Intervention Dentistry for Caries Management
Minimal Intervention Dentistry (MID) is a philosophy or concept that attempts to ensure that teeth remain functional for life. Its development was facilitated by the numerous studies carried out on topics related to cariology that were carried out since 1940, including sugar consumption, oral microbiota, fluorides, adhesive dental materials and the so-called repeated restoration cycle. By the early 1990s, research had shown that the management of dental caries lesions could be better accomplished, moving away from the traditional surgical approach in favor of a 'biological' or 'medical' approach. This approach encompasses the following important strategies that aim to keep teeth free from caries lesions: (i) early detection of lesions and assessment of caries risk with validated instruments; (ii) remineralization of demineralized enamel and dentin; (iii) optimal caries prevention measures; (iv) tailor-made controls based on risk; (v) minimally invasive operative interventions; and (vi) repair rather than replacement of restorations.
Learning objectives
- Recognize the principles of contemporary cariology recommended for the management of dental caries
- Analyze the efficacy and feasibility of non-restorative approaches postponing the first operative intervention
- Review the evidence behind strategies to control the progression of enamel and dentin lesions through no invasive, micro-invasive and minimally invasive approaches
Reducing Dental Carious Lesions During the First Three Years of Life
Dental caries in Peruvian 0- to 3-year-olds is very high. The dental profession should collaborate with nurses at Mother-and-Child-Health clinics for reducing the disease. A RCT tested an integrated intervention program (IIP) performed by nurses and dentists. Age-specific (0-3 years) oral health-related information and activity record cards (OHRIAC) were developed and validated for nurses to use after being educated in oral health issues and mouth inspection. Dentists were trained in caries prevention and Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART). The active intervention group (AG) participated in the IIP, the positive control group (PG) received the OHRIAC only and the control group (CG) a lecture. Caries status was assessed according to the Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment (CAST). The sample consisted of 386 children with a mean age of 3.1 years. The 3-year drop-out percentage was 40.5%. The prevalence of cavitated dentine carious lesions was statistically significantly lower in the AG (10.0%) than in the PG (60.5%) and CG (63.0%) groups, after 3 years. The dental profession could collaborate with other health care professionals to curb dental caries in 0-3 year-olds.
Learning objectives
- Describe the caries epidemiological status of three year olds around the globe
- Review interprofessional strategies to reduce caries prevalence during the first years of age
- Learn about the peruvian experience to educate nurses to work together with dentists to implement Minimal Intervention Dentistry into the Public Health settings