Caries Risk Assessment

Category: business

An evaluation used by dentists to predict a patient’s probability of developing future tooth decay.

Clinicians analyze dietary habits, saliva flow rate, existing fluoride exposure, and historical decay rates. A "high-caries-risk" status might prompt the office to prescribe high-fluoride toothpaste, increase the frequency of professional cleanings, or recommend salivary pH testing.

Common Examples

• The patient’s high caries risk assessment prompted an aggressive preventative treatment plan involving quarterly fluoride varnish applications.
• Standardizing the caries risk assessment process ensures that every patient receives a preventative schedule tailored to their individual oral chemistry.