Which technique is NOT part of the medical model for caries management?

The technique that is not part of the medical model for caries management involves prescribing high-dose fluoride applications. The medical model of caries management emphasizes preventing disease progression through strategies that alter the biological process of caries development. This includes methods that reduce pathogenic bacteria, modify dietary risk factors, and create an environment that promotes remineralization.

Using high-dose fluoride applications, while beneficial for enhancing remineralization in some cases, typically falls under a more traditional preventive approach rather than the medical management framework. The medical model seeks to integrate various interventions, aiming for a broader strategy that addresses the underlying causes of caries, rather than focusing primarily on treatment.

In contrast, techniques such as sealing pits and fissures, using chlorhexidine to reduce oral flora, and diet modification all directly align with the objectives of the medical model by focusing on preventive strategies that target the biological and environmental contributors to caries. These techniques work together to maintain oral health through a comprehensive approach.