Introduction
Dental caries is a multi-factorial chronic disease process. A variety of risk factors are known to contribute to the development and progression of dental caries. (The pathology of dental caries is reviewed in detail in Chapter 4: Caries.)

In this chapter, we will review the AAP policy on risk assessment and screening, explain how pediatricians can assess dental caries risk in their patients, present a tool that can be used to assist in risk assessment, and propose referral options for patients deemed at risk.

Sections

1.	AAP Policy on Risk Assessment
2.	Clinical Evaluation
			Examination Technique
			What to Look For
3.	AAPD Caries Risk Assessment Tool
4.	Risk Groups
5.	AAP Policy on Referral to a Dentist
6.	Key Points
7.	Self-Assessment Questions