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Fluoride in Caries Control: Benefits, Controversies, and Current Research

This webinar explored the use of fluoride in caries prevention, the controversies surrounding its toxicity, and current research addressing those concerns. The session featured presentations from leading experts in the field, followed by a Q&A session.

Marcelle-Nascimento-University-of-Florida-800x800

Introduction of webinar and speakers

Dr. Marcelle Nascimento (University at Buffalo), AAC President

2025 9th Annual AAC Conference

Join Us for the 9th Annual AAC Conference

Buffalo, NY

Thursday and Friday, September 25th – 26th, 2025

This year’s conference will feature an exciting and impactful program focused on the integration of oral and systemic health, workforce expansion, value-based care, artificial intelligence, and fluoride science and advocacy. Over two days, attendees will engage in expert-led sessions, interactive discussions, research presentations, and networking opportunities, all designed to advance the science and practice of Cariology.

Bringing together a diverse audience of academics, researchers, clinicians, students, industry partners, and policymakers, this event will serve as a transformative platform to shape the future of oral health.

Conference Highlights

  • There in no health without oral health
    This session will explore the role of salivaomics in detecting both caries and systemic diseases, as well as the importance of integrating oral and systemic health care. Systemic health screenings play a critical role in caries risk assessment, yet the traditional siloed nature of dental and medical systems often limits opportunities for collaboration. This conference aims to bridge these gaps by advancing interdisciplinary care models that recognize oral health as an essential component of overall health.
  • Expanding the workforce: a collaborative approach to comprehensive oral health
    The shortage of a well-trained oral health workforce presents a significant challenge to effective caries management. Expanding the roles of dental hygienists and nurse practitioners is crucial to bridging workforce gaps, increasing access to care, and promoting health equity. This session will highlight the importance of interprofessional collaboration and explore the benefits of integrating oral health into primary care to enhance early detection and comprehensive patient care.
  • Value-based care in caries management: the role of insurance in supporting preventive services
    The shift from a fee-for-service model to a value-based care model in dentistry offers a transformative opportunity to prioritize prevention, improve patient outcomes, and reduce costs. However, successful implementation requires innovative payment structures, expanded insurance coverage for preventive services, and policy reforms that align financial incentives with long-term oral health goals. This session will explore insurance’s role in increasing access to preventive caries care and how data-driven advocacy can influence policy changes. Attendees will gain practical insights into integrating value-based care principles into clinical practice and reimbursement models, paving the way for a more sustainable and patient-centered approach to caries management.
  • Artificial intelligence in caries management
    Experts will explore how AI-driven predictive models are being integrated into clinical workflows and how AI-powered community-based prevention programs can enhance patient outcomes. This session aims to inspire future research, improve AI adaptability in clinical settings, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration. Attendees will also gain insights into how AI can enhance patient engagement and enable personalized preventive strategies, paving the way for more efficient and data-driven approaches to caries management.
  • Fluoride and oral health: science, challenges, and advocacy
    Despite overwhelming evidence supporting fluoride’s safety and efficacy in reducing caries, its use remains controversial due to misinformation and hesitancy. This conference will address key issues related to fluoride’s public health role, recent scientific advancements, and challenges in advocacy. Discussions will focus on the latest research on fluoride safety and efficacy, addressing concerns about neurodevelopmental effects and cognitive health as well as strategies to combat fluoride hesitancy through education, policy advocacy, and community engagement.
  • Poster presentations: Abstract submission dates coming soon
  • Academic Symposium dedicated to the latest advancements in Cariology education.

Stay tuned! The full conference program will be announced soon.

The AAC is supported by

American Academy of Cariology Supporters Platinum level icon
American Academy of Cariology Supporters Gold level icon
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American-Academy-of-Cariology_Sponsors_EOC
American Academy of Cariology Sponsors Shofu logo
American Academy of Cariology Supporters Silver level icon
American Academy of Cariology Sponsors Delta Dental of Wisconsin logo
American Academy of Cariology Sponsors Dentsply Sirona logo
American Academy of Cariology Sponsors Incisive Technologies logo
American Academy of Cariology Sponsors Ivoclar logo
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American Academy of Cariology Sponsor Logos Solventum
American Academy of Cariology Sponsors University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine logo
CE Support

2024 8th Annual AAC Conference

8th Annual AAC Conference

The ADA Headquarters Building / Conference Center, 211 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

Thursday and Friday, September 19th – 20th, 2024

Description & Goals

This two-day conference aims to gather dental professionals to discuss the latest advances and innovations in the diagnosis, detection, and management of dental caries, focusing on integrating technology and patient-centered approaches. Key concepts will be understanding progress in caries detection, familiarity with modern imaging technology, management strategies for diverse populations, evaluation of alternative caries management options, and how to combat misinformation.  Participants will learn about the historical and current approaches to diagnosing dental caries and how clinical practices have evolved with advances in technology with critical analysis of benefits and limitations within clinical settings. The conference will cover strategies for the non-invasive management of caries, specifically for special needs patients. The efficacy and use of Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) and povidone-iodine in mainstream caries management will be discussed, highlighting recent updates and research findings. Finally, a session on social media myths and truths intends to empower dental professionals to recognize and correct misinformation about dental caries that patients may encounter online.  Through review of posters and panel discussions and Q&A sessions, participants can discuss clinical cases, share experiences, and seek expert opinions on complex clinical scenarios. Overall, the conference will foster an environment of learning and collaboration, encouraging the adoption of advanced methods for caries management and ultimately contributing to better dental healthcare delivery.

10.75 CDE credits (Symposium 1.5; Conference Day 1, Thursday 4.0; Conference Day 2, Friday 5.25)

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Pre-Meeting Academic Symposium

9:45 - 10:00 am

Pickup name badges (Hillenbrand Auditorium)

10:00 - 11:30 am

Introduction to the use of Generative AI in Dental (Cariology) Education

This educational program aims to familiarize participants with the application of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in the field of dental education, with an emphasis on teaching cariology. The program will discuss the transformative potential of GenAI in dental student education. Presenters will demonstrate its practical applications using real-world experience in using GenAI tools for tasks such as crafting learning objectives, designing engaging presentations, developing clinical teaching scenarios, composing exam questions, and using chatbots to enhance student learning.

SPEAKER: Dr. Carlos González-Cabezas (AAC President) and Dr. Margherita Fontana (University of Michigan)

American Academy of Cariology Margherita Fontana ORCA

Lunch (On your own)

Conference Program - Beginning of Conference

12:45 - 1:00 pm

Pickup name badges (Hillenbrand Auditorium)

1:00 - 1:15 pm

Welcome and Overview of the Program

SPEAKER: (Dr. Carlos González-Cabezas, AAC President)

1:15 - 1:50 pm

American Academy of Cariology Andrea Ferreira Zandona

Harnessing caries activity assessment for precision caries management

This presentation will explore the pivotal role of caries activity assessment in contemporary caries management. Attendees will learn how assessing the activity of carious lesions provides a more comprehensive understanding of disease progression and risk, facilitating tailored treatment decisions. By integrating activity assessment into clinical practice, dentists can better differentiate between active and arrested lesions, guiding interventions that optimize patient outcomes and support minimally invasive treatment approaches.

SPEAKER: Dr. Andrea Ferreira Zandona (Ohio State University)

1:50 - 2:00 pm

Q&A

2:00 - 2:35 pm

American Academy of Cariology Rujuta KatkarCBCT and artificial intelligence in radiographic detection of dental caries: current status

Diagnosis of dental caries is the most common and still the most difficult diagnostic procedure in dentistry. Is it getting easier with the advent of new technologies like CBCT and AI? Join a board certified Oral & Maxillofacial Radiologist with over 15 years of diagnostic and research experience to explore the pros and cons of various radiographic techniques in diagnosis of dental caries.

SPEAKER: Dr. Rujuta Katkar (University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio)

2:35 - 2:45 pm

Q&A

2:45 - 3:00 pm

Coffee Break

3:00 - 3:35 pm

American Academy of Cariology Board Member Bennett AmaechiAdvancing caries detection and diagnosis with new technologies

With the advent of minimal intervention dentistry (MID), came the need for technologies to aid in detection, diagnosis, and monitoring, particularly of the initial caries lesions. Successful implementation of MID has led to the development of more sophisticated technologies. This presentation will discuss newer technologies that can detect as well as monitor the activities of a caries lesion over time.

SPEAKER: Dr. Bennett Amaechi (University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio)

3:35 - 3:45 pm

Q&A

3:45 - 4:20 pm

Panel Discussion

Moderators: Dr. Anchal Malik and Dr. Marcelle Nascimento

4:20 - 4:30 pm

Break

4:30 - 5:15 pm

AAC Business Meeting

5:30 - 7:30 pm

Social Reception with hors d’oeuvres and drinks (Meeting rooms 2BCDE)

Friday, September 20, 2024

8:00 - 8:20 am

Coffee and Light Breakfast

8:20 - 8:30 am

Welcome

SPEAKER: (Dr. Carlos González-Cabezas, AAC President)

8:30 - 9:05 am

Interim caries management on the road to the operating room: a non-invasive management pathway for patients with special healthcare needs

This presentation will address key points in caries risk assessment and overall management of a diverse demographic of patients with special healthcare needs (SHCNs), including oral diagnosis and management employed in cases treated in an outpatient setting that later require definitive treatment in an operating room setting under general anesthesia. In addition, the elements of the special needs patient encounter will be introduced.

SPEAKER: Dr. Stephanie Munz (University of Michigan)

9:05 - 9:15 am

Q&A

9:15 - 9:30 am

Coffee Break

9:30 - 10:05 am

American Academy of Cariology Rohit NairDiagnosing and treating hyposalivation to reduce the risk for dental caries

Hyposalivation and dry mouth affect people in all age groups but are more frequently seen among older adults, those with a history of irradiation to the head and neck region and as a consequence of polypharmacy for chronic health conditions. The condition significantly affects an individual’s quality of life and one of its more visible effects is in the development and progression of dental caries. This presentation will provide a detailed overview of hyposalivation and the current evidence on various techniques proposed to manage the condition.

SPEAKER: Dr. Rohit Nair (University of Iowa)

10:05 - 10:15 am

Q&A

10:15 - 11:00 am

Panel Discussion

Moderators: Dr. Teresa Marshall and Dr. Livia Tenuta

11:00 - 11:45 am

Poster Session (Hillenbrand Auditorium)

Name

Poster Title

Kristin Adair

Water’s effect on dental biofilm pH following fermentable carbohydrate: a scoping review.

Brecken Blackburn

Brillouin spectroscopy for assessment of enamel demineralization.

Junio Castro

Silver-diamine fluoride and its combination with potassium-iodide exhibit different anti-caries properties.

Louise Dornelas-Figueira

GlcNAc enhances the probiotic properties of Streptococcus sanguinis against Streptococcus mutans-Candida albicans.

Jonathon Dougherty

Physiological properties of salivary stimulants: evaluation of pH and titratable acidity.

Duangporn Duangthip

Clinical trials of silver diamine fluoride with light curing in arresting caries.

Elham Fawzi

Comprehensive dental status (CDS) index for oral wellness: preliminary results.

Karl Hall

Early-stage caries detection by fluorescein starch nanoparticle rine — in-vitro pilot.

Daniel Han

Methods used for caries detection and diagnosis in Ontario: an exploratory survey.

Nathan Jones

Where does the mineral go? Evaluating spatial distributions of caries remineralization treatments.

Callahan Katrak

Exploring synergistic oxidative stress tolerance between Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans.

José Neves

Type-B proanthocyanidins Designer enhance root caries remineralization.

Malgorzata Pawinska

Use of NIR-light laser transillumination for assessing the cariostatic effect of toothpastes.

Sonali Sharma

Biophotonics aided caries inhibition : a validated standardized clinical protocol.

Leonardo Teodosio

Radiotherapy increases the dentin susceptibility to in vitro caries development.

Elaine Yoshino

Combination of conventional or high-fluoride toothpastes with fluoride rinse: fluoride bioavailability study.

 

11:45 - 1:15 pm

Lunch (Lunch is provided – Meeting roomes 2BCDE)

1:15 - 1:45 pm

American Academy of Cariology Divya KheraA tooth’s silver lining: an update on SDF

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) has become a popular treatment modality for minimally-invasive caries management. This presentation will review the latest evidence on SDF including that of the NIH-sponsored, phase III randomized clinical trial on the effectiveness of SDF to arrest cavitated lesions in pre-school children with severe Early Childhood Caries. Attendees will gain insight into the trial design and how it was conducted as well as review the latest on SDF in terms of use including prevention in the current literature.

SPEAKER: Dr. Divya Khera (New York University)

1:45 - 2:15 pm

American Academy of Cariology Margherita Fontana ORCAIs povidone iodine ready for mainstream caries management?

Dental caries is one of the most prevalent chronic non-communicable diseases and among the most common unmet healthcare needs of poor and minority population groups. This presentation will discuss the clinical evidence on povidone iodine for caries management and some examples of ongoing clinical studies.

SPEAKER: Dr. Margherita Fontana (University of Michigan)

2:15 - 2:45 pm

Panel Discussion

Moderators: Dr. Richard Niederman and Dr. Apoena Ribeiro

American Academy of Cariology Board Member Richard Niederman

2:45 - 3:00 pm

Coffee Break

3:00 - 4:00 pm

Social Media Myths and Truths

Join us for an interactive session where we will address some myths and truths found on social media by patients, and their impact on dental practices. We will discuss common misconceptions that patients encounter online and provide some strategies for effectively communicating accurate information while addressing patient concerns. 

Speaker Panel

4:00 - 4:05 pm

Conference Conclusion

Hotels

The AAC has not reserved hotel room blocks for this conference due to the variety of hotels available in the area near the venue (The ADA Headquarters Building / Conference Center, 211 E. Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611). Please plan to arrange for your own accommodations for your stay in Chicago.

For reference only, you may find useful information on the following website sponsored by the Magnificent Mile Association (https://www.themagnificentmile.com/hotels/#types=2&view=map-view&load=40). The AAC has no association whatsoever with the Magnificent Mile Association, and does not recommend, endorse, or have responsibility for the content of its website.