Caries risk assessment by Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA) Protocol among the general population of Pakistan-a multicenter analytical study.

Background: Caries risk (CR) assessment tools are used to properly identify individuals with caries risk and to improve preventive procedures and programs. A tool such as CAMBRA determines the precise protective factors of caries and identifies an individual's specific therapeutic intervention. The purpose of this study was to assess the caries risk using the CAMBRA protocol among the general population of Pakistan. Methods: This multicentre analytical study was conducted in ten dental hospitals in different provinces of Pakistan and the caries risk assessment was carried out using a questionnaire that was designed using the Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA) protocol. All 521 participants were intra-orally examined to assess oral hygiene status and the presence of disease. Multiple logistic regression test was performed for analysis. Results: A higher number of participants (61.2%) were found to be in the moderate risk category of caries risk assessment. The males are 51% less likely to have caries compared to the females (AOR = 0.49, P = 0.081). The majority of participants (71.3%) had one or more disease indicators, with white spots and visible cavities. Those with visible, heavy plaque were 13.9 times more likely to have caries compared to those without (AOR = 13.92, P < 0.001). Those using calcium and phosphate during the last 6 months were 90% less likely to have caries compared to those not using them (AOR = 0.10, P < 0.001). There was no significant interaction between all eight risk factors retained in the final model (P > 0.05), the Hosmer and Lemeshow Test P < 0.001, classification accuracy = 87.1%, and AUC = 91.2%. Conclusion: The caries risk among the general population of Pakistan is moderate, with significant variation among age groups, education levels, and socioeconomic status.

Improving predoctoral education related to caries risk assessment in adults.

OBJECTIVES: This project examined patterns of adult patient management using a caries risk assessment (CRA) protocol at East Carolina University, School of Dental Medicine. Usage of the CRA protocol from 2014 to 2019 was assessed. Non-operative anti-caries treatments were measured against caries risk status (high, moderate, low, or none). Steps to improve the appropriate management of patients based on caries risk are presented to align with accreditation standards for predoctoral education programs. METHODS: The CRA protocol is based on the Caries Management by Risk Assessment approach. Risk-based patterns for two non-operative interventions were examined: (1) prescriptions for 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) mouth rinse and (2) prescriptions for 5000 ppm fluoride toothpaste (PreviDent 5000 [PreviDent]). Statistical analyses included chi-square tests and logistic regression. RESULTS: Over the study period only 16.4% of adult patients had completed the CRA form. Among 29,411 patients from nine community sites, treatment rates for PreviDent were 18.7% among high-risk patients, 11.6% for moderate-risk adults, and 6.4% for low-risk adults (p < 0.01). Treatment rates for CHX were 23.0%, 22.6%, and 17.1%, respectively (p < 0.05). Patients without a CRA status were least likely to receive any anti-caries treatments, indicating that CRA status affects clinical, non-operative care. CONCLUSIONS: Patterns for prescription of PreviDent and CHX are consistent with CRA status. Future efforts to improve usage of the CRA protocol using faculty calibration, tracking with quality improvement tools, and reassessment. Training in the community-based educational setting is enhanced through data-based tracking to assure evidence-based decision making.

Cuestionario de autoevaluación CAMBRA como método de cribado poblacional del riesgo de caries sin métodos exploratorios: un estudio piloto observacional transversal / Modified CAMBRA questionnaire as a method for population-based caries risk screening without exploratory methods: a cross-sectional observational pilot study

Fundamentos: Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA) es un cuestionario de diagnóstico del riesgo global de caries dental. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo presentar un cuestionario de autoevaluación basado en CAMBRA que, a diferencia del original, es cumplimentado por padres/madres/cuidadores, sin necesidad de una exploración odontológica, permitiendo establecer un diagnóstico de presunción en menores de siete años excluidos del programa de salud oral del Sistema Nacional de Salud, con el fin de instaurar recomendaciones individualizadas al riesgo de caries y su inclusión precoz en programas preventivos del Servicio Madrileño de Salud (Madrid, España). Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional transversal basado en las recomendaciones STROBE, empleando por primera vez un cuestionario de autoevaluación basado en CAMBRA en niños/as de tres a seis años de una escuela infantil de Madrid (España). Los resultados se analizaron mediante una estadística descriptiva y para el estudio de la relación entre variables cualitativas se utilizó el estadístico exacto de Fisher. Resultados: El cuestionario fue respondido por padres de 120 niños, de los cuales, el 40,8% presentó, a priori, un riesgo de caries bajo, el 42,5% un riesgo moderado y el 16,7% un riesgo alto de caries. Conclusiones: El presente estudio permite la identificación de pacientes en riesgo de presentar y/o desarrollar caries. No obstante, futuros estudios han de evaluar su sensibilidad y especificidad mediante su comparativa frente a un diagnóstico de confirmación tras una exploración odontológica. Pese a ello, el cuestionarioCAMBRA modificado podría ser una herramienta útil para el cribado poblacional, facilitandoel acceso de la población en riesgo de caries y en riesgo de exclusión a planes preventivos y comunitarios.(AU)

Background:Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA) is a questionnaire used to diagnose the patient’s overall caries risk. This study aimed to present a self-assessment questionnaire based on CAMBRA which, unlike the original, is completed by parents/caregivers, without the need for a dental examination, allowing a presumptive diagnosis to be established in children under seven years of age excluded from the oral health programme of the National Health System to establish individualised recommendations for caries risk and their early inclusion in preventive programmes of the Madrid Health Service (Madrid, Spain). Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out following STROBE guidelines using for the first time a self-assessment questionnaire based on CAMBRA in a population of children aged from three to six years from a nursery school in Madrid (Spain). The results were analysed using descriptive statistics and Fisher’s exact statistic was used to study the relationship between qualitative variables. Results: The questionnaire was answered by the parents of 120 children (response rate=53.1%), of whom 40.8% presented a low a priori caries risk, 42.5% a moderate risk and 16.7% a high caries risk. Conclusion: The present study allow the identification of patients at risk of presenting and/or developing caries. However, future studies should evaluate its sensitivity and specificity by comparing it with a confirmatory diagnosis after a dental examination. Nevertheless, the modified CAMBRA questionnaire could be a useful tool for population screening, facilitating the access of the population at risk of caries and risk of exclusion to preventive and community plans.(AU)

[Modified CAMBRA questionnaire as a method for population-based caries risk screening without exploratory methods: a cross-sectional observational pilot study]. / Cuestionario de autoevaluación CAMBRA como método de cribado poblacional del riesgo de caries sin métodos exploratorios: un estudio piloto observacional transversal.

OBJECTIVE: Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA) is a questionnaire used to diagnose the patient's overall caries risk. This study aimed to present a self-assessment questionnaire based on CAMBRA which, unlike the original, is completed by parents/caregivers, without the need for a dental examination, allowing a presumptive diagnosis to be established in children under seven years of age excluded from the oral health programme of the National Health System to establish individualised recommendations for caries risk and their early inclusion in preventive programmes of the Madrid Health Service (Madrid, Spain). METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out following STROBE guidelines using for the first time a self-assessment questionnaire based on CAMBRA in a population of children aged from three to six years from a nursery school in Madrid (Spain). The results were analysed using descriptive statistics and Fisher's exact statistic was used to study the relationship between qualitative variables. RESULTS: The questionnaire was answered by the parents of 120 children (response rate=53.1%), of whom 40.8% presented a low a priori caries risk, 42.5% a moderate risk and 16.7% a high caries risk. CONCLUSIONS: The present study allow the identification of patients at risk of presenting and/or developing caries. However, future studies should evaluate its sensitivity and specificity by comparing it with a confirmatory diagnosis after a dental examination. Nevertheless, the modified CAMBRA questionnaire could be a useful tool for population screening, facilitating the access of the population at risk of caries and risk of exclusion to preventive and community plans.

OBJETIVO: Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA) es un cuestionario de diagnóstico del riesgo global de caries dental. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo presentar un cuestionario de autoevaluación basado en CAMBRA que, a diferencia del original, es cumplimentado por padres/madres/cuidadores, sin necesidad de una exploración odontológica, permitiendo establecer un diagnóstico de presunción en menores de siete años excluidos del programa de salud oral del Sistema Nacional de Salud, con el fin de instaurar recomendaciones individualizadas al riesgo de caries y su inclusión precoz en programas preventivos del Servicio Madrileño de Salud (Madrid, España). METODOS: Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional transversal basado en las recomendaciones STROBE, empleando por primera vez un cuestionario de autoevaluación basado en CAMBRA en niños/as de tres a seis años de una escuela infantil de Madrid (España). Los resultados se analizaron mediante una estadística descriptiva y para el estudio de la relación entre variables cualitativas se utilizó el estadístico exacto de Fisher. RESULTADOS: El cuestionario fue respondido por padres de 120 niños, de los cuales, el 40,8% presentó, a priori, un riesgo de caries bajo, el 42,5% un riesgo moderado y el 16,7% un riesgo alto de caries. CONCLUSIONES: El presente estudio permite la identificación de pacientes en riesgo de presentar y/o desarrollar caries. No obstante, futuros estudios han de evaluar su sensibilidad y especificidad mediante su comparativa frente a un diagnóstico de confirmación tras una exploración odontológica. Pese a ello, el cuestionario CAMBRA modificado podría ser una herramienta útil para el cribado poblacional, facilitando el acceso de la población en riesgo de caries y en riesgo de exclusión a planes preventivos y comunitarios.

Caries Risk Assessment Using the Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA) Protocol among the General Population of Sakaka, Saudi Arabia-A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Caries risk assessment is a useful tool in caries prevention and management. Using a tool such as CAMBRA, every individual can be assessed according to his or her disease indicators, risk factors, and protective factors for the current and future caries. Aim: This study aimed to assess caries risk among the general population of Sakaka, Saudi Arabia using the CAMBRA protocol. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at university dental clinics using a questionnaire that was formulated using the CAMBRA caries risk assessment tool; afterwards, all 160 participants were intra-orally examined to assess oral hygiene status and presence of disease. Independent t-tests, ANOVAs, and chi-square tests were performed for analysis. Results: The majority of participants had one or more disease indicators, with white spots and visible cavities (71.3%), and the most commonly present risk factor was visible heavy plaque on teeth (82.5%). The use of fluoridated toothpaste (92.5%) was the most common protective factor. The majority of participants (85%) were in the 'High' category of Caries risk assessment. The prevalence of high caries risk was significantly higher among the rural participants compared to the urban (p <0.05), and significantly fewer of those with a primary school education level or lower were in the high dental caries risk group compared to the other educational categories (p <0.001). Conclusion: The caries risk among the general population of Sakaka, Saudi Arabia, is high, with significant variation among age groups, education levels, and geographical locations.

Effect of dental caries management using 'CAMBRA-kids' mobile application for children under 5 years old.

OBJECTIVE: To determine effects of dental caries management using 'CAMBRA-kids' mobile application for children under 5 years old for a period of a year. METHODS: This study was conducted on 119 preschoolers and parents. Parents downloaded 'CAMBRA-kids' mobile application and entered risk factors and protective factors for children. Clinician entered disease indicators after clinical examination of children. Based on the input, the caries risk group was automatically determined by the 'CAMBRA-kids' application. According to the caries risk level, caries management was conducted for 12 months according to guidelines. RESULTS: Children's caries risk level changed after conducting caries management for 1 year. In the change of CRA (Caries risk assessment) by factor, risk factors decreased in all risk groups, whereas protective factors increased in all risk groups. Disease indicators increased after 12 months in the extreme high-risk group and the high-risk group, but decreased in the low-risk group. CONCLUSION: This study evaluated the effect of systematic dental caries management using 'CAMBRA-kids' mobile application for preschool children. As a result, dental caries management had effects on children, especially for the extreme high-risk group and the high-risk group. Thus, it is expected to be used in a variety of areas for caries management of preschoolers.

Caries Management by Risk Assessment vs. Traditional Preventive Strategies: Effect on Oral Health Behaviors and Caries Diagnoses: A Retrospective Case-Control Observational Design.

Results showed patients who had undergone Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA) had statistically significant lower plaque scores and improved their oral self-care behaviors. This study supports existing evidence that the use of caries management by risk assessment appears to offer a preventive approach to oral health care delivery.

Evidence-based Decisioning on the Management of a High Caries Risk Patient-A Case Report.

OBJECTIVE: The evidence-based approach to treatment planning has been at the forefront of clinical dentistry and the use of scientific evidence for clinical decisions has an impact on this case report, where the treatment planning of a high caries risk patient was performed with this approach. BACKGROUND: In this case report, management of a 30-year-old female patient with multiple carious lesions in her oral cavity has been discussed, and microbiological tests for caries risk assessment were performed that categorized her in the high caries risk group. METHODS: The management of this patient was formulated by carrying out a systematic search of the literature according to the clinical question. It is the evidence-based dentistry protocol, and the search was carried out in the following databases: PubMed, Embase, Medline, and Google Scholar. The CAMBRA protocol was employed for the management of high caries risk patients. RESULTS: A total of seven articles that included two randomized clinical trials, one case report, and four retrospective studies were identified for the evidence-based approach of the treatment planning. CONCLUSION: The caries management by risk assessment has been advocated in this case report, where the patient was identified in the high caries risk group according to the caries assessment tests (microbiological), and the management was carried out inculcating the CAMBRA protocol.

Dental Caries Preventive Considerations: Awareness of Undergraduate Dental Students.

The aim of this study was to assess awareness and knowledge of undergraduate dental students of common caries-related preventive considerations and to highlight these factors in a concise manner to act as a guide for dental practitioners. A sample of 118 undergraduate students at a local government dental school was included. An interactive survey that contains questions related to common preventive strategies against dental caries was presented to the students. The survey contained 22 questions concerning dietary and therapeutic strategies. Students casted their votes using their mobile cellphones. The correct answer for each question was shown to the students, and further discussion was held. Data was collected, and the statistical analysis was conducted using one-sample z- and chi-squared tests at 0.05 significance level. The students answered the questions related to oral hygiene practices, xylitol, and the common knowledge regarding fluoride. The questions related to the use of chlorhexidine, dietary factors, and fluoride formulations were answered mostly incorrectly. The students seemed to grasp details of important concepts of flossing, brushing, reducing frequency of sugar exposure, and the use of fluoride products. Still, more emphasis should be given to increase students' awareness of dietary guidelines for caries prevention, since adequate knowledge of these modalities is paramount for graduating dentists.

Herramientas actuales para el diagnóstico, manejo y control de la caries dental. Parte I / Current tools for diagnosis, handling and control of dental caries. Part I

El diagnóstico de caries dental ya no es más como el diagnóstico tradicional que mencionaba histológicamente el inicio y el final de una cavidad. Se ha demostrado que los criterios de diagnóstico y las herramientas utilizadas en la detección de lesiones de caries afectan la toma de decisiones para su tratamiento. Hoy en día, la caries dental es considerada un proceso; por ello, en el presente artículo, se describen nuevas propuestas que nos ayudarán con el diagnóstico, manejo y control de dicha enfermedad. Los criterios Cambra e Icdas son los que teóricamente tienen sustento bajo evidencia científica de lo que es actualmente la patología y su desarrollo, por lo que se describen los antecedentes históricos de su desarrollo, sus principales características, y se proponen opciones de integración al proceso diagnóstico actual a favor de una mayor conservación de la estructura dentaria. (AU)

The diagnosis of dental caries is no longer like the traditional diagnosis that histologically mentioned at the beginning and end of a cavity. It has been shown that the diagnostic criteria and tools used in the detection of caries lesions affect the decision-making process for caries treatment. Today tooth decay is considered as a process; That is why in this article new proposals are presented that will help us with the diagnosis, management and control of said disease. The criteria Cambra and Icdas, are those that theoretically have sustenance under scientific evidence of what is currently the pathology and its development; Therefore, the historical background of the development of Cambra and Icdas, its main characteristics are described, and integration options are proposed to the current diagnostic process in favor of greater preservation of the dental structure. (AU)

Preliminary study assessing remineralisation of early caries on posterior teeth using SoproLife®.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of minimal intervention via fluoride therapy in management of early caries lesion with the aid of SoproLife®. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 patients were recruited, (mean age = 23 years) and were assigned to low and moderate caries risk groups (n = 20). Eighty occlusal surfaces of posterior teeth were examined for early caries lesion visually and using SoproLife® at baseline and at a recall visit six months later. At baseline visit, patients were given oral hygiene education, fluoridated toothpaste for homecare and topical fluoride application. SoproLife® images acquired were analysed using Image J software version 1.50. Difference in the mean value of intensity of the red wavelength spectrum between baseline and recall visits, (ΔI), were analysed for both risk groups. ΔI for upper and lower first molar teeth were also analysed. RESULTS: Results show no statistical difference for ΔI between low and moderate risk groups (p = 0.13). There is no statistical difference in ΔI within the low caries risk group (p = 0.42) but there is significant difference in the moderate risk group (p = 0.02). No statistically significant difference in ΔI value between upper first molars (UFM) (p = 0.80) and lower first molars (LFM) (p = 0.07) were detected. There was also no statistically significant difference in ΔI value within the upper and lower first molars (UFM: p = 0.31, LFM: p = 0.27). CONCLUSION: SoproLife® generated images did not show significant differences in remineralisation of early caries between low and moderate caries risk patients and between the upper first and lower first permanent molars in these patients.

Avaliação do risco de cárie e condição de saúde bucal de bêbes e crianças de 0 á 03 anos de idade: protocolo de CAMBRA e índice CAST / Assessment of caries risk and oral health status of babies and children from 0 to 03 years of age: CAMBRA protocol and CAST index

A elevada prevalência de lesões cariosas em crianças no mundo, indica a necessidade de um programa odontológico preventivo e eficaz neste grupo. Esta pesquisa de avaliação a lesões de cárie em bebês e crianças de 0 a 5 anos, inclui um plano de tratamento e cuidados com base no risco individual, usando o protocolo de CAMBRA (Caries Management by Risk Assessment of American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, AAPD),e CAST (Índice de Espectro e Tratamento de Avaliação de Cáries) desenvolvido no município de São Gonçalo-RJ. Prática geral dental deve aplicar-se a promover protocolos preventivos numa idade precoce, em vez de esperar que a necessidade de tratamento restaurador. Foram avaliados 507 pré-escolares de 0 a 5 anos, este estudo foi realizado nas creches públicas do município de São Gonçalo, para avaliar a eficácia do protocolo de CAMBRA na predição de risco a lesões de cárie em estudos epidemiológicos na primeira infância, os resultados evidenciaram que o protocolo de CAMBRA tem 55.4% risco moderado , 44.6% risco alto de desenvolver lesões de cárie, sendo o médio risco suficiente se considerado a amostra total de 0 a 5 anos, mas quando segmenta as idades verifica-se o alto risco na faixa etária de 0 a 3 anos (67,1% risco alto), logo e necessário identificar no todo, o grupo de polarização, que necessita de um tratamento preventivo mais eficaz. O índice de CAST apresentou (10.6%) de lesões cariosas presentes, houve correlação entre o risco a lesões de cárie e o índice CAST. (independente da correlação) evidencia-se a necessidade, de estratégias preventivas precoces para diminuir o risco a lesão cariosa nesse grupo estudado, visando uma futura implementação de um programa de atendimento odontológico para essa população.(AU)

The high prevalence of injuries in children worldwide indicates the need for a preventive and effective dental program in this group. This research on injury assessment of children and infants aged 0 to 5 years, includes a treatment and care plan based on individual risk, using the CAMBRA protocol (Caries Management by Risk Assessment of the American Academy of Odontopediatrics, AAPD), and CAST (Spectrum and Treatment Index for Caries Assessment) developed in the municipality of São Gonçalo-RJ. General dental practice should apply to promoting preventive protocols at an early age, rather than waiting for the need for restorative treatment. 507 preschoolers from 0 to 5 years old were taxed. This study was carried out in public daycare centers in the city of São Gonçalo, to evaluate the application of the CAMBRA protocol with risk prediction to cancer injuries in epidemiological studies in early childhood, the results evidence that the CAMBRA protocol has a 55.4% moderate risk, 44.6% a high risk of caries lesions, the average risk being considered high if a total of 0 to 5 year old samples is considered, but when segmented such as the verified or high-risk classifications for the 0 to 3-year-old age group (67.1% high-risk), logo and it is necessary to identify not all, the polarization group, which requires more effective preventive treatment. The CAST index presented (10.6%) of injuries caused by gifts, correlated between the risk of caries injuries and the CAST index. (regardless of the correlation) there is a need, early preventive strategies to reduce the risk of carious injury in this studied group, a future implementation of a dental care program for this population. (AU)

Dental Care for Geriatric and Special Needs Populations.

This article reviews considerations for oral health care associated with the most common causes of mortality and morbidity in older adults. Many of these diseases result in functional or cognitive impairments that must be considered in treatment planning to ensure appropriate, safe, and effective care for patients. Many of these considerations parallel those of adults who have lived with developmental disabilities over a lifetime and similar principles can be applied. Systemic diseases, conditions, and their treatments can pose significant risks to oral health, which requires prevention, treatment, and advocacy for oral health care as integral to chronic disease management.

Changes in Caries Risk in a Practice-Based Randomized Controlled Trial.

To demonstrate that Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA) can be successfully implemented in dental practice, 30 dentists were recruited to perform a 2-y CAMBRA trial. Twenty-one dentists (18 private practices, 3 community clinics) participated in a randomized, controlled, parallel-arm, double-blind clinical trial with individual-level assignment of 460 participants to standard of care (control) versus active CAMBRA treatment (intervention). Control or active antimicrobial and remineralizing agents were dispensed at baseline and 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-mo recall visits according to risk level and assigned treatment arm. Primary outcome measure was dentist-determined caries risk level at recall. Among initially high-risk participants, secondary outcomes were recorded disease indicators. Generalized estimating equations were used to fit log-linear models for each outcome while accounting for repeated measurements. At 24 mo, follow-up rates were 34.3% for high-risk participants (32.1% intervention, 37.1% control) and 44.2% for low-risk participants (38.7% intervention, 49.5% control). Among 242 participants classified as high caries risk at baseline (137 intervention, 105 control), a lower percentage of participants remained at high risk in the intervention group (statistically significant at all time points). At 24 mo, 25% in the intervention group and 54% in the control group remained at high risk ( P = 0.003). Among 192 participants initially classified as low risk (93 intervention, 99 control), most participants remained at low risk. At 24 mo, 89% in the intervention group and 71% in the control group were low caries risk ( P = 0.18). The percentage of initially high-risk participants with recorded disease indicators decreased over time in both intervention and control groups, being always lower for the intervention group (statistically significant at the 12- and 18-mo time point). In this practice-based clinical trial, a significantly greater percentage of high-caries-risk participants were classified at a lower risk level after CAMBRA preventive therapies were provided. Most participants initially assessed at low caries risk stayed at low risk (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01176396).

Calibration of dentists for Caries Management by Risk Assessment Research in a Practice Based Research Network - CAMBRA PBRN.

BACKGROUND: To prove that Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA) can be successfully implemented in dental practices outside of the university setting, dentists in the San Francisco Bay Area (CA) were approached to participate in a Practice Based Research Network (PBRN) study. The overall goal of the CAMBRA-PBRN study was to recruit 30 dentists to perform a two-year study involving approximately 900 patients. Goal of the calibration study was to standardize and calibrate dentists potentially participating in the CAMBRA-PBRN study. METHODS: To minimize inter-examiner variability in data collection, including classification of carious lesions and recording of existing restorations, participating dentists were trained and calibrated in accurate DMFS (decayed, missing, filled surfaces) charting. Dentists were also trained and calibrated to diagnose and differentiate between sound surfaces and non-cavitated caries lesions (International Caries Detection and Assessment - ICDAS scores 1 and 2) for posterior occlusal surfaces. Thirty dentists were calibrated to a single gold standard examiner (BJ) during 6 calibration sessions, between 2011 and 2014. Kappa statistics were used to determine inter-examiner reliability on 13 or more patients, aged 12-63 (average age 38 ± 15 years), per examiner during each session, resulting in 94 patient encounters over the course of all 6 sessions. To participate in the main study, examiners needed to achieve a minimum required kappa of 0.75. During the calibration process, examiners scored between 1036 and 2220 tooth surfaces. RESULTS: The kappa values (unweighted kappa) of the participating dentists compared to the gold standard examiner ranged from 0.75 to 0.90, with an average kappa of 0.84 ± 0.03. 90% of the examiners achieved overall kappa values above 0.8. However, separate reliability for assessment of non-cavitated lesions, as in other studies, was lower (0.55 ± 0.15). Multiple subcategories were evaluated. All dentists reached sufficient reliability values to proceed into the study; nevertheless, one dentist discontinued with the study due to scheduling conflicts. CONCLUSIONS: The high inter-examiner reliability results have shown that dentists who work in primarily non-research based practices can be effectively standardized and calibrated in data collection, based on specific guidelines created to anticipate potential research study scenarios.

The Effect of Calibration on Caries Risk Assessment Performance by Students and Clinical Faculty.

Caries management requires a complete oral examination and an accurate caries risk assessment (CRA). Performing Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA) is inefficient when the caries risk level assignment is incorrect. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of faculty members and students at one U.S. dental school to correctly assign caries risk levels for 22 CRA cases, followed by calibration with guidelines on how to use the CRA form and a post-calibration test two months after calibration. Inter-examiner reliability to a gold standard (consensus of three experts) was assessed as poor, fair, moderate, good, and very good. Of the 162 students and 125 faculty members invited to participate, 13 students and 20 faculty members returned pre-calibration tests, for response rates of 8% and 16%, respectively. On the post-calibration test, eight students and 13 faculty members participated for response rates of 5% and 10%, respectively. Without guidelines and calibration, both faculty members and students when evaluated as one group performed only poor to fair in assigning correct caries risk levels. After calibration, levels improved to good and very good agreements with the gold standard. When faculty and students were evaluated separately, in the pre-calibration test they correctly assigned the caries risk level on average in only one-quarter of the cases (students 24.1%±13.3%; faculty 23.6%±17.5%). After calibration, both groups significantly improved their correct assignment rate. Faculty members (73.8% correct assignments) showed even significantly higher correct assignment rates than students (47.7% correct assignments). These findings suggest that calibration with a specific set of guidelines improved CRA outcomes for both the faculty members and students. Improved guidelines on how to use a CRA form should lead to improved caries risk assessment and proper treatment strategy for patients.

The Effects of Faculty Calibration on Caries Risk Assessment and Quality Assurance.

Accurate caries risk assessment (CRA) plays a pivotal role in managing the disease of dental caries. The aim of this quality assurance study was to determine if faculty calibration training using a specific set of guidelines in a single session would improve the faculty members' CRA decision making. A calibration seminar was held in December 2014 at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, during which seven completed CRA forms for simulated patients were used to test 55 faculty members' risk assignment level before and after an instructional lecture was given. The results showed a statistically significant increase in the proportion of faculty members responding correctly for five of the seven cases on the pre- and posttests (p<0.01). One case showed no significant increase in correct responses (p=0.07), and on the seventh case, which presented low caries risk, there was a significant decrease in the percentage responding correctly (p<0.0001) due to an increase in the proportion overestimating caries risk. This study's findings were consistent with those in previous studies that, without calibration, faculty members are not necessarily accurate at CRA diagnosis. Since the calibration training improved these faculty members' caries risk assessment scoring, future studies should extend to evaluations for both faculty and students.

A CAMBRA Model For High Caries Risk Indian Children: A Pragmatic Comprehensive Tailored Intervention.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a CAMBRA based therapeutic and preventive model for high caries risk children in a pediatric dentistry clinic set-up. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 100 systemically healthy children aged 4-8 years with dmft/DMFT ≥ 5 and/or ≤ 20% magnitude of cariogram sector 'chance to avoid new cavities' were enrolled. The program comprised of following components i.e. caries risk assessment, customized preventive interventions (Motivational interviewing and counseling, oral prophylaxis, fluoride varnish, fissure sealants) and restorative procedures. The recall intervals were scheduled on the basis of caries risk i.e. every 1 month (≤ 40% chance to avoid new cavities) and 3 months (≥ 41% chance to avoid new cavities). The primary outcome measure was 'new carious lesions' at 12 months following achievement of 'termination levels' i.e. ≥ 41% magnitude of 'chance to avoid new cavities.' The secondary outcome measures were changes in cariogram parameters at termination and duration needed to achieve termination levels. RESULTS: The program showed 97% success rate as 3/100 subjects developed new carious lesions at 12 months follow up. Highly significant (p<0.001) favorable shift was achieved in cariogram parameters at termination. Termination levels were achieved in 2.71 ± 4.854 months. CONCLUSIONS: The present CAMBRA based program with customized intervention and recall schedules showed favorable results.

Long-term adoption of caries management by risk assessment among dental students in a university clinic.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term adoption of a risk-based caries management program at a university dental clinic. The authors extracted data from electronic records of adult non-edentulous patients who underwent a comprehensive oral evaluation in the university predoctoral clinic from July 2007 through June 2014 (N=21,984). Consistency with caries management guidelines was measured as the percentage of patients with caries risk designation (low, moderate, high, or extreme) and the percentage of patients provided non-operative anti-caries agents within each designated caries risk category. Additionally, patient and provider characteristics associated with risk assessment completion and with provision of anti-caries therapy were identified. Results showed that the percentage of patients with documented caries risk grew steadily from 62.3% in 2007-08 to 92.8% in 2013-14. Overall, receipt of non-operative anti-caries agents increased with rising caries risk, from low (6.9%), moderate (14.1%), high (36.4%), to extreme (51.4%), but percentages were stable over the study period. Younger patients were more likely to have a completed risk assessment, and among high- and extreme-risk patients, delivery of anti-caries therapy was more common among patients who were younger, identified as Asian or Caucasian, received public dental benefits, or were seen by a student in the four-year DDS program or in the final year of training. These results demonstrate that extensive compliance in documenting caries risk was achieved within a decade of implementing risk-based clinical guidelines at this dental school clinic. Caries risk was the most strongly associated of several factors related to delivery of non-operative therapy. The eventual success of this program suggests that, in dental education, transition to a risk-based, prevention-focused curriculum may require a long-term commitment.

Quality assurance study of caries risk assessment performance by clinical faculty members in a school of dentistry.

The goal of this quality assurance study was to explore the decision making of clinical faculty members at the University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry predoctoral dental clinic in terms of caries risk level assignment using the caries risk assessment (CRA) as part of the Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA) concept. This research was done in part to determine if additional training and calibration were needed for these faculty members. The study tested the reliability and reproducibility of the caries risk levels assigned by different clinical teachers who completed CRA forms for simulated patients. In the first step, five clinical teachers assigned caries risk levels for thirteen simulated patients. Six months later, the same five plus an additional nine faculty members assigned caries risk levels to the same thirteen simulated and nine additional cases. While the intra-examiner reliability with weighted kappa strength of agreement was very high, the inter-examiner agreements with a gold standard were on average only moderate. In total, 20 percent of the presented high caries risk cases were underestimated at caries levels too low, even when obvious caries disease indicators were present. This study suggests that more consistent training and calibration of clinical faculty members as well as students are needed.