Minimal intervention dentistry (MI) is a modern dental practice designed around the principal aim of preservation of as much of the natural tooth structure as possible.

The aim is to first control and manage the disease that causes tooth decay (caries) and then to relieve the residual symptoms it has left behind (i.e. conservative bonded fillings). The approach uses similar principles for prevention of future caries, and is intended to be a complete management solution for tooth decay.

Modern alternatives which preserve more tooth tissue can be explored before the more traditional treatment options.