Caries Management using Silver Diamine Fluoride

Minimally invasive dentistry emphasizes controlling disease, preserving tooth structure, and improving patient comfort. Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) embodies this approach. It arrests active caries, reduces dentin hypersensitivity, and helps prevent new lesions without drilling or anesthesia. First developed in Japan in the 1960s and cleared by the FDA in 2014 for dentin hypersensitivity, SDF is now widely used off label for caries arrest, supported by professional guidance and a robust evidence base. This course provides practical guidance for general dental professionals. It explains SDF’s mechanism of action, clinical indications, step-by-step technique, risks and benefits, communication strategies for informed consent, and integration with preventive and restorative care. The material is written for dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants who want clinically actionable detail that can be implemented immediately.