Minimum Intervention Oral Care (MIOC) - Overcoming Implementation Barriers: An International Expert Consensus

OBJECTIVES: The minimum intervention oral health care (MIOC) delivery framework shifts restorative dentistry from a predominantly operative, procedure-centred model towards a person-focused, prevention-oriented and tooth-preserving approach. This international consensus aimed to develop agreed, evidence-informed recommendations to support uptake of MIOC. METHODS: A structured expert consensus process was conducted. Sixteen international experts participated in a structured in-person meeting and consented on fourteen recommendations, all with 100% agreement. RESULTS: Implementation of MIOC requires alignment of reimbursement systems, quality indicators, coding structures and digital infrastructures with preventive, diagnostic and active surveillance-based care pathways. Recommendations emphasise recognition and reimbursement of risk assessment and supportive care, integration of team-based delivery models, embedding MIOC competencies across undergraduate and postgraduate education, and ensuring that digital and AI technologies demonstrate person-centred benefit consistent with MIOC principles. CONCLUSIONS: The consensus provides a coordinated framework to support implementation and advance equitable, sustainable and prevention-oriented oral health care delivery globally.