White Paper on Minimally Invasive Dental Care
Championing Minimally Invasive Care: Aligning Advocacy to Transform Oral Health
The Minimally Invasive Care Advocacy white paper advocates for a shift in dental care practices toward more preventive, patient-centered, and minimally invasive approaches. Developed by the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors (ASTDD) with input from leading experts in dental public health, and funded by CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, the paper outlines strategies to improve oral health outcomes by emphasizing early intervention, prevention, and less invasive treatments.
Key recommendations include:
- Early Intervention & Prevention: Prioritizing the identification and management of dental issues before they require complex or costly treatments. This includes expanding the use of preventive care methods such as fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and patient education.
- Minimally Invasive Techniques: Promoting practices that reduce the need for traditional, invasive procedures, thus enhancing patient comfort and reducing recovery time. Examples include less aggressive restorative methods and the use of modern technologies for diagnosis and treatment.
- Integrated Care Models: Encouraging collaboration between dental professionals and other healthcare providers to address broader patient health needs, improving overall care coordination.
- Patient-Centered Care: Advocating for approaches that consider individual patient needs, including financial concerns, and focusing on building trust and improving patient outcomes through personalized care.
The white paper is a call to action for the dental community to embrace these approaches, which can lead to more effective, efficient, and equitable dental care for all.
For more details, visit ASTDD’s Dental Public Health Policy Committee.
Download the White Paper.
