Pediatric dentistry is an evolving specialty. Today, caries risk assessment is considered essential for the proper evaluation and treatment of each patient. The outcome determines an appropriate, individualized preventive dentistry plan that may include the use of fluoride varnishes, special rinses or remineralizing toothpastes. The traditional model of the six-month recall visit is not necessarily viable for all patients; some require visits that are more frequent and others fewer.

Caries susceptibility also influences the restorative treatment needed: conservative or comprehensive. Minimally invasive restorative treatment has been made possible through the development of glass ionomer materials and bonded resins. The idea of arresting incipient lesions using non-invasive treatment is becoming widely accepted.

Being aware of new developments and innovative treatment modalities is essential to provide cutting-edge care for children. New research is rapidly changing the practice of pediatric dentistry. Practitioners with a keen interest in this area will find that the 2009 Greater New York Dental Meeting (GNYDM) offers a well-appointed program to help them keep abreast of the latest developments.

The program features distinguished speakers presenting a wide range of topics in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics, and includes restorative procedures and prevention modalities as well as sedation issues.

One forum, “Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry: Two Specialties, One Goal,” will present cutting-edge topics ranging from dental trauma to orthodontic care to stem cell utilization. This unprecedented forum is the result of a joint effort by the Department of Orthodontics at New York University College of Dentistry and the Orthodontic Alumni Association. Specialists in orthodontics and pediatric dentistry will provide practical information for improved patient care. This session is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 2, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

An all-day forum being held Tuesday, Dec. 1, the “International Symposium on Advances in Orthodontics” will bring together speakers from around the world to discuss advances in contemporary orthodontic treatment. This session will introduce practitioners to information ranging from the sequencing of cases to interdisciplinary treatment of complex malocclusions.

An all-day seminar, “Grow Your Practice with Prenatal and Pediatric Oral Health,” heralds the first time the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry is sponsoring an all-day program at the GNYDM. It is designed for general dentists who want to provide care for younger children in their practices. Information about oral health counseling during pregnancy is also included in this seminar scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 29.

An annual session under the auspices of the Northeast Society of Pediatric Dentistry will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 1. Dr. Stephen Wilson will speak on "Children and Sedation: The Mix.” On Wednesday Dec. 2, Dr. Jane Soxman will present an all-day seminar, “Tricky Decisions and Treatment: Techniques in Pediatric Dentistry.” Soxman will explore restorative techniques and parent involvement in both caries and behavior management. On Tuesday, Dec. 1, she will present a half-day seminar on dental trauma. In addition, two GNYDM essay sessions are devoted exclusively to topics in pediatric dentistry.

The pediatric program at the GNYDM is rounded out by giving back to the local community via Greater New York Smiles, a three-day oral health program for children that reaches more than 1,300 elementary school children in New York City. The students receive individual oral hygiene instruction, a caries screening and oral health information. This year the children will visit the National Museum of Dentistry’s traveling exhibit and Colgate’s “Bright Smiles, Bright Futures Van,” which will be located on the exhibit floor. Volunteer dental hygienists and dental hygiene students will provide the instruction for this educational experience.

For more information on the GNYDM, to be held 27 November to 2 December at the Javits Center, visit visit www.gnydm.com.