CARIES MANAGEMENT BY RISK ASSESSMENT (CAMBRA), A BEST STRATEGY

FOR MANAGING CARIES

(LITERATURE REVIEW)

Widita, Elastria, drg., M.Sc.,1 Hanindriyo, Lisdrianto, drg., MPH.2

1
Dental Nurse Study Programme, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada, 2Dental Public
Health and Preventive Dentistry Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Abstract

Dental caries is the most common oral disease seen in oral health despite advancements in
science, and continues to be a worldwide health concern. Caries remains one of the major oral
diseases in Indonesia. Based on the data of RIKESDAS (2007), nearly half of the Indonesian
population suffered from caries (46.5%). Multiple factors, such as the interaction of bacteria, diet and
host response has been influenced the initiation, progression, and treatment of dental caries. Time has
proven that this disease cannot be controlled by restoration itself. Therefore, a best strategy needs to
be done carefully to solve this problem. This article will briefly summarize the scientific basis for
Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA).
Risk assessment is a strategy for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of prevention
procedures and programs. Using a risk assessment provides better cost effectiveness and greater
success in treatment compared with the more traditional approach of applying identical treatments to
all patients, independent of their risk. CAMBRA is an evidence-based approach to preventing or
treating the cause of dental caries at the earliest stages rather than waiting for irreversible damage to
the teeth. The philosophy of CAMBRA is the assessment of each patient for his or her unique
individual disease indicators, risk factors and protective factors to determine current and future dental
caries. Based on findings from the literature, CAMBRA presents an effective process in identifying
individuals at high risk of developing dental caries who need preventive services and the management
of risk factors.

Keywords: Dental caries, risk assessment, preventive.

Author for correspondence : Elastria Widita, drg. M.Sc.

Dental Nurse Study Programme, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada
Jalan Denta Sekip Utara Yogyakarta 55281
Phone: +62274-515301
E-mail : elastria_widita@ugm.ac.id