In Situ Caries Models: Reaction Paper

Abstract

In situ caries models can be found in all shapes and sizes and designed for many purposes. Building on previous conferences, Dr. Zero has done a remarkable job in summarizing the many aspects of in situ models, and as such this reactor's paper will be restricted to only several aspects of the model. One of the most important steps in using in situ models involves the reporting of enough details and reasons for choices in model parameters so that the reviewer or reader can judge clinical relevance and applicability. This approach tends to broaden the field as much as restrict it to only one substrate, evaluative technique, or appliance type. Continued work needs to be done on both surface and subsurface lesions; there is a need to establish "gold standards" for model validation in areas such as salivary flow, antimicrobials, food sequencing, etc., and the clinical relevance of each model needs to be explored.