title: Rethinking prevention.
abstract: The purpose of this paper was to present information that underscores: (1) the need for understanding the fundamental nature of dental caries; and (2) efforts to minimize its consequences in light of available scientific evidence, recent population trends, and persistent pressures to extend improvements in oral health to all children in the most cost-effective manner. The primary emphasis was placed on the importance of appreciating caries as a common, complex, chronic disease whose deleterious effects can be mitigated best with ongoing use of appropriate, risk-based protective measures. Additional attention was given to current and emerging challenges along with considerations for aligning oral health promotion and delivery system capacity with children's oral health care needs.
authors.affiliation: Section of Pediatric Dentistry, MCHB National Oral Health Policy Center, UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, USA. jcrall@dent.ucla.edu
authors.forename: James J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Crall
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002908:Chronic Disease; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D003729:Dental Care; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003733:Dental Caries Susceptibility; D018450:Disease Progression; D006293:Health Promotion; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D009909:Oral Health; D011203:Poverty; D011313:Preventive Dentistry; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012923:Social Class