A pilot study of risk-based prevention in private practice.

Area of Science:

• Dental Public Health
• Preventive Dentistry
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Risk-based prevention ensures patients receive treatments tailored to their disease risk.
• Application of risk-based prevention in private dental practice settings remains under-examined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To pilot test methods for implementing risk-based prevention in private dental practices.
• To assess the feasibility of identifying patients at risk for dental caries and periodontitis in a real-world clinical setting.

Main Methods:

• A six-month pilot study involving volunteer clinicians in 15 dental offices.
• Clinicians identified patients at elevated risk for caries and periodontitis during routine oral examinations.
• Risk indicators and planned preventive treatments were recorded and submitted to a dental insurer via claim forms.

Main Results:

• Low percentages of patients were identified at high risk (4% caries, 7% periodontitis).
• Moderate risk classifications were higher (29% caries, 30% periodontitis) with greater office variation.
• Patients identified at elevated risk had a history of more disease-related treatment, validating risk assessment accuracy.

Conclusions:

• Formal risk-based prevention is achievable in dental private practices.
• Clinicians demonstrated a solid grasp of risk-based prevention principles.
• Further clarification of moderate risk criteria and enhanced fluoride use/recall for adults may be beneficial.