PDCP 30th Anniversary Celebration

The Future of Pediatric Dentistry: Lessons from Three Decades of Evidence

Pediatric Dentistry has undergone profound transformation over the past thirty years, shaped by advances in clinical research, evolving guidelines, and a growing emphasis on evidence-based practice. This lecture will synthesize key lessons from three decades of systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, and consensus statements, highlighting how these findings have redefined preventive strategies, restorative protocols, and approaches to behavior management. Special attention will be given to the translation of long-term evidence into everyday clinical decision-making, as well as the challenges of balancing innovation with patient safety and equity. By reflecting on the trajectory of Pediatric Dentistry through an evidence-based lens, participants will gain insights into future directions—emphasizing personalized care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the role of emerging biomaterials and regenerative therapies. Ultimately, this session will equip clinicians with a forward-looking perspective grounded in the rigor of three decades of scientific progress.

Evidence-Based Decision-Making in Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric Dentistry requires clinical decisions that balance scientific evidence, clinician expertise, patient needs, and behavioral considerations unique to children. With the rapid expansion of dental research, practitioners are increasingly challenged to integrate current best evidence into everyday clinical care. Evidence-based decision making (EBDM) has emerged as a fundamental approach to improving treatment outcomes, patient safety, and quality of care in Pediatric Dentistry. It supports rational clinical choices while minimizing unnecessary or outdated interventions. This lecture aims to provide an overview of evidence-based decision making in Pediatric Dentistry, emphasizing the principles of critical appraisal, application of scientific evidence, and integration of patient-centered care into clinical practice.

Early Childhood Caries (ECC): A Wicked Problem?

In public health, wicked problems are described as complex health issues with multiple or undefined causes and global implications. The challenge with wicked problems includes their disputed definition, framing from stakeholders with different beliefs and values, the need for collective global action and the lack of basic local response.

Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is defined as one or more decayed, missing or filled primary teeth in children less than 6 years old. Untreated ECC can result in pain, infection and facial swelling. It causes feeding/eating difficulties, disturb sleep, adversely affects speech, self-esteem, and growth and development. The global prevalence of ECC is around 514 million and is the most common chronic disease in childhood. Poor oral health in children is a strong predictor of oral health in adults, and poor oral health in adults is linked to poor nutrition and chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

This presentation will explore ECC as a wicked problem and major public health issue, and how social determinants of health such as societal structures and government policies contribute to its development and progression. The role of the paediatric dentist in primordial, primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary prevention strategies will also be discussed. The aim of the presentation is to provide the oral health professional with a broad range of tools to advocate for their patients and communities in the prevention of Early Childhood Caries.

Bridging Gaps in Children’s Oral Health: Lessons from 30 Years in Pediatric Dentistry in the Philippines

Over the past three decades, Pediatric Dentistry in the Philippines has undergone significant transformation, evolving from a predominantly extraction-based and problem-oriented practice into a dynamic specialty grounded in prevention, evidence-based care, and child-centered approaches. This lecture examines the historical development of Pediatric Dentistry in the country, highlighting key milestones in clinical practice, education, and health policy that have shaped current standards of care. It explores the persistent burden of early childhood caries and other oral diseases among Filipino children, emphasizing the influence of socioeconomic factors, dietary practices, and access to care.

Advances in preventive strategies, minimally invasive techniques, and behavior management have improved the quality and scope of pediatric dental services. At the same time, the integration of oral health into broader health systems—through initiatives such as the programs of PhilHealth and school-based interventions—demonstrates the growing recognition of oral health as a public health priority. Despite these gains, significant challenges remain, including disparities in access, workforce distribution, and limitations in insurance coverage.

Drawing from 30 years of clinical experience and policy development, this lecture synthesizes key lessons that underscore the importance of early intervention, prevention-focused care, and interdisciplinary collaboration. It further highlights the critical role of pediatric dentists not only as clinicians but also as advocates, educators, and contributors to health policy. Ultimately, the lecture calls for sustained efforts to strengthen pediatric oral health systems and ensure equitable, comprehensive care for all Filipino children.