Minimally Invasive Techniques in Pediatric Dentistry: A Systematic Review of Implementation Strategies for Saudi Arabian General Dental Practitioners

Abstract

Minimally invasive dentistry (MID) has emerged as a paradigm shift in pediatric dental care, focusing on prevention, remineralization, and minimal intervention. Despite the growing evidence supporting MID, its adoption among general dental practitioners (GDPs) in Saudi Arabia remains limited. This systematic review aims to synthesize the current literature on implementation strategies for MID techniques in pediatric dentistry, with a focus on their relevance and applicability for Saudi Arabian GDPs. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using relevant databases, and 60 studies were included in the review. The findings highlight the effectiveness of various MID techniques, such as atraumatic restorative treatment, silver diamine fluoride, and the Hall technique, in managing early childhood caries and reducing the need for invasive procedures. The review also identifies the barriers and facilitators to MID implementation among GDPs, including knowledge, attitudes, skills, and resources. Strategies for optimizing MID adoption and sustainability are discussed, such as education and training, clinical decision support, and interprofessional collaboration. The review concludes with recommendations for future research, policy, and practice to support the successful integration of MID techniques into the pediatric dental practice of Saudi Arabian GDPs.