Prediction models in dental care - basis for the National Board of Health and Welfare’s mission to develop a national model for risk assessment in dental care

Background

SBU has been commissioned by the Government (S2024/01524)) to support the National Board of Health and Welfare in the Agency’s mission to develop a national model for risk assessment in dental care.

The risk assessment is essential for creating individualized treatment plan and determining the appropriate frequency for regular examination (revision interval). Risk assessment includes risks of the development or exacerbation of oral diseases. A comprehensive risk assessment during a dental examination considers numerous factors, including caries, gingivitis, periodontitis, and other infections affecting the teeth or surrounding bone. Additionally, changes in the oral mucosa, chewing function, bite physiology, bite development, previous dental treatments, saliva function, dietary habits, oral hygiene, overall oral health, general health, and systemic diseases, including medication use, are carefully evaluated.

AIM

In a previous project, SBU has identified that the scientific evidence is insufficient to assess whether there is scientific support for prediction models for caries and periodontitis.

The project will be based on previous assignments (SBU 2023/1092)) but with expanded research in three new areas. The aim of the project is to investigate the scientific basis for prediction models for caries, periodontitis, bite abnormalities including bite development, bite physiological problems (pain or dysfunction in the chewing muscles and jaw joint) and oral mucosal changes.