Let’s face it, sitting through a lecture about dental caries doesn’t sound appealing (in fact, it sounds downright boring). However, the science of clinical cariology is beginning to have an impact on restorative techniques and technology. Handpieces and burs will remove compromised tooth structure, but comprehensive patient care involves addressing the chronic disease that leads to cavitation. Combining the disease management with evidence-based dental materials can take the practice of dentistry to new heights—and give Streptococcus mutans more to fear than stronger fluoride.