Child Caries guidance update

Child Caries guidance update 

The Prevention and Management of Dental Caries in Children guidance was first published in 2011 and was fully updated 2018 following SDCEP’s NICE-accredited guidance development process.  In line with SDCEP’s standard five-year guidance review period, a scheduled review of the guidance topic commenced in Spring 2023.  

A scoping survey of primary care practitioners was conducted in February–April 2023 to inform the updating of the guidance. A surveillance review was carried out to assess whether there were any developments in the topic or changes in the evidence base that would impact on the guidance recommendations and inform any updating required. The surveillance review concluded that while a full update of the guidance was not required, there was the need to update certain aspects of the guidance, indicating that a more focussed approach was suitable. A Guidance Development Group (GDG) was convened to review new evidence and agree changes to be made. While there are some additions, much of the guidance is likely to remain unchanged. 

The updated guidance is currently undergoing peer review after which final amendments will be agreed before publication of the third edition, which is expected around the end of 2024.