Dental caries is one of the oldest and most common diseases found in humans, although a decline of the prevalence has been recorded worldwide. The management approaches have evolved with a shift from the surgical model to restorative treatment and newer strategies which emphasize the disease prevention and conservation of tooth structure. The paradigm change in understanding dental caries, its prevention and treatment makes its mandatory for all dentists treating expectant mothers, infants, children, adolescents and adults to utilize the risk based caries management protocols to make diagnostic, preventive and restorative recommendations for their patients.