Championing Minimally Invasive Care: Aligning Advocacy to Transform Dental Health

Session Description: The current reactive model of dental treatment has been deemed inadequate, paving the way for a more preventive and minimally invasive approach to care. Minimally Invasive Care (MIC) addresses preventive and restorative dental care in consideration of what is best for those being treated. It conserves tooth structure, while emphasizing early detection and prevention of oral diseases. When caries are detected, MIC provides less intrusive treatment options and increases access by its easy applicability, while reducing oral disease that could require complex, invasive attention in the future. MIC champions must efficiently advocate to relevant audiences, so that consumers expect it, policy makers support it, payers cover it, educators teach it, and clinicians provide it. This session seeks to support advocacy for the adoption of MIC in the overall healthcare delivery system. By championing MIC, diverse stakeholders work towards a future where dental care is less invasive, more equitable and patient-centered.