The College of General Dentistry has endorsed newly updated guidance on tooth decay in children from the Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP).
The third edition of Prevention and Management of Dental Caries in Children aims to support dental teams to improve and maintain the oral health of their younger patients through the delivery of preventive care and, where necessary, effective management of dental caries.
It also encourages shared decision-making, providing strategies for the dental team to support and empower children and young people (and their parents or carers) to take an active role in maintaining their oral health.
The guidance has been updated following a thorough review of the evidence, and after consultation with dental organisations including the College.
While many parts remain unchanged since the second edition, revisions include amendment of the recommendation about preventive fissure sealants and wider application of vital pulp therapy in permanent teeth, with a new key recommendation about pulpotomy for treatment of pulpitis with irreversible symptoms.
The new guidance, and a downloadable ‘Guidance in Brief’ summary, are available at https://www.childcaries.sdcep.org.uk
