Minimum Intervention Oral Care (MIOC) - Overcoming Implementation Barriers: An International Expert Consensus.

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Oral Health
• Public Health

Background:

• The traditional restorative dentistry model is procedure-centered.
• A shift towards a person-focused, prevention-oriented approach is needed.
• Minimum Intervention Oral Health Care (MIOC) offers a tooth-preserving alternative.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop evidence-informed recommendations for MIOC implementation.
• To establish an international consensus on MIOC best practices.
• To support the global uptake of MIOC.

Main Methods:

• A structured expert consensus process was employed.
• Sixteen international experts participated in an in-person meeting.
• Fourteen recommendations were developed with unanimous agreement.

Main Results:

• MIOC implementation requires aligning systems (reimbursement, coding, digital) with preventive care.
• Recommendations focus on recognizing risk assessment and supportive care.
• Integration of team-based models and embedding MIOC in education are crucial.

Conclusions:

• The consensus offers a framework for implementing MIOC globally.
• This framework promotes equitable and sustainable oral health care.
• The approach advances prevention-oriented oral health delivery worldwide.