Conclusion

To reduce the prevalence of dental caries and improve population oral health, it is essential for dental professionals to routinely assess each patient’s risk for developing new lesions or experiencing caries progression. Effective caries risk assessment relies on a combination of factors, including the patient’s medical and dental history, dietary habits, oral hygiene behaviors, and relevant social, cultural, and economic influences. A systematic approach, such as using a structured risk assessment survey, allows clinicians to identify risk factors efficiently and develop personalized, non-operative strategies. These may include enhanced oral hygiene practices, fluoride use, dietary counseling, and targeted interventions for patients with special considerations, such as xerostomia or limited self-care capacity. This patient-centered, preventive approach not only promotes better oral health outcomes but also empowers patients to take an active role in managing their own oral health.