Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) has been around for years—but how it’s actually used in practice is still widely misunderstood. In this episode, Dr. Brian Novy and Dr. Pam Maragliano take a closer look at where SDF fits in modern caries management, what clinicians often get wrong, and why it continues to spark debate.

From technique missteps to patient communication, this conversation moves beyond theory into the realities of clinical practice. The hosts challenge the idea that caries treatment must always be surgical, reframing SDF as a practical tool for arresting disease, stabilizing lesions, and buying time—especially in high-risk or complex cases.

They also explore how SDF integrates with restorative approaches like glass ionomer (SMART technique), and where it makes the most sense across different patient populations, including pediatric and elderly patients.

Along the way, the discussion touches on a growing tension in dentistry: how coding, reimbursement, and legacy practice models can shape clinical decisions—sometimes in ways that don’t fully align with disease management.