Minimally invasive dentistry (MID) is a philosophy of care that emphasizes prevention and seeks to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible. And it’s growing in popularity. 

Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA) has existed for more than 20 years. But many oral health providers may be unfamiliar with why or how to use it. 

Carolina Family Health Centers, Inc. has provided medical and dental care for patients in three North Carolina counties for years. But during that time, the Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) was having trouble accessing a specific part of the population that needed oral health care — children. 

As Operations and Policy Analyst I at the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Vesna Hopkins has the goal of helping Oregonians get better access to oral health care.

“As a dental analyst, my boss says, ‘Challenge me. Give me ideas. Tell me how do you want to improve dental health for Oregonians, and let’s talk about it,’” Hopkins says. “So, I’m in a position to have the freedom to simply say, ‘It’s my educated opinion that Oregonians need help in dental here or here.’”