[Cariology and restorative dentistry: old and new risks]

Abstract

Complaints concerning restorative treatments at disciplinary tribunals are relatively rare. The nature of the complaints, the judgements, and the implicit view on caries management are, however, a cause of concern. Usually, the complaints are on alleged negligence because lesions were not or were too late restored. Modern caries management concentrating on disease control rather than on damage repair and its minimally invasive nature could be reasons of complaints concerning perceived negligence. As usual, careful documentation of findings, diagnostics, risk assessment, and monitoring decisions and good patient communication are decisive in preventing complaints. However, post-graduate education of dentists in caries detection, diagnosis, and management is needed to reduce the variability of caries care provided.