DentaQuest Institute

The Problem
Dental disease is a bacterial infection in the mouth and as with other bacterial infections; it can be effectively controlled by treating the causes of the infection. Science-based research has shown there are identifiable risk factors and protective factors associated with the development, severity and progression of oral diseases – caries (cavities) and gum disease.

Since 1999, the DentaQuest Oral Health Center (OHC) has been one of a small number of United States dental offices that have made CAMBRA the core of its clinical practice.  The acronym CAMBRA stands for "CAries Management By Risk Assessment".  A key difference of CAMBRA-centered practices is their focus on risk-based treatment and patient education.

By combining behavioral and clinical assessments, OHC dentists are often able to treat caries and gum disease without drilling or other surgical intervention.  This is more than just preventive care; it's an entirely new approach that helps patients keep their teeth for life.  In 2010, the American Dental Association recognized the success of this approach by naming the DentaQuest Oral Health Center the Adult Preventive Practice of the Year.

"The idea of care by risk assessment is gaining interest and acceptance among dental practices," explains Dr. Peter Blanchard, Dental Director of the Oral Health Center.  "But it does require changes in how a practice approaches patient care.  Because the Oral Health Center already has several years of success with the CAMBRA approach, we are now being asked to share our insights and lessons learned with other dental offices."

What We’re Doing
The DentaQuest Institute, in partnership with the Oral Health Center, has developed a library of CAMBRA based resources for prevention and disease management for private and safety net dental programs.  This includes protocols, tools, resources and technical assistance to support oral health practitioners who are committed to incorporating CAMBRA concepts into routine clinical practice.

Risk-based care is focused on patient self-management of oral disease and the delivery of preventive and restorative care.  "The DentaQuest Oral Health Center has embraced risk-based care as a full organization," explained Dr. Blanchard.  "Every member of our dental team plays an important role in creating a supportive, prevention-focused patient experience - from scheduling the appointment, to greeting the patient, to the risk assessment conversation, the ultimate treatment, and even processing insurance claims."

What We’re Finding
The reduction in rates of new disease at the Oral Health Center and at dental offices piloting the protocols is proof that this approach is successful in arresting existing disease, and preventing new disease in at-risk children and adult patients.  "We are also making the case that a dental office can commit to risk-based care and be successful," said Dr. Blanchard.

For more information about DentaQuest Oral Health Center's experience with risk-based care, contact Dr. Peter Blanchard, Dental Director, at peter.blanchard@dentaquestohc.com.