title: Trends in preventive care: caries risk assessment and indications for sealants.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In the 21st century, risk assessment models will continue to be developed. By understanding patients' susceptibility to disease, better treatment and preventive regimens can be offered. As the causative agent of dental caries is bacterial, the interaction between the susceptible host, the causative agent and the environment determine whether caries occurs--regardless of the patient's age.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This article reviews risk assessment for dental caries and the implication for developing preventive strategies. It also describes the indications and uses of sealants in the prevention of dental caries.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rethman
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000209:etiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003733:Dental Caries Susceptibility; D006801:Humans; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants / Q000737:chemistry / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011313:Preventive Dentistry / Q000639:trends; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants