Total child patient care--aspects of paediatric dentistry and orthodontics

Various factors have combined to create a situation in which paediatric dentistry is undergoing considerable change. These include the declining prevalence of caries, the refinement of preventive measures and the rapid development of new materials and techniques. The result is a shift in emphasis away from a purely conservative, restorative approach towards a concept of total child care. This requires the practitioner to consider total treatment planning in which there will be phases of preventive, restorative and orthodontic treatment appropriate to each child patient. Correct application of these skills, modified by the application of advancing technology, will ensure that children so treated will grow to value and appreciate good dental health.