Early childhood is a critical period for the prevention of dental diseases. This book presents the foundations of preventive pedodontics, focusing on risk assessment, oral hygiene instruction, diet counseling, and fluoride therapy. It discusses sealants, behavior management, and anticipatory guidance. Special care is given to habit correction and parental involvement. The content provides a proactive approach to maintaining oral health in children from infancy through early school years.
Muzi Hadebe has an academic and clinical background in pediatric dentistry with an emphasis on preventive pedodontics. He has contributed to various studies on early childhood caries, fluoride usage, and school-based interventions. His academic work supports behavior-guided techniques and motivational interviewing in children’s oral health. He has provided editorial guidance on texts dedicated to pediatric prevention protocols. He continues to consult for national oral health programs targeting preschool populations.