Risk predictor (risk marker)
n The terms risk predictor and risk marker often used
synonymously
– Risk marker tends to be used when describing biological
predictors, such as C-reactive protein being a marker for
inflammation
– Risk predictor often used for any non-etiologic variable
that is a good predictor
– In dentistry tend to be alternative historical measures of
the disease being studied,
•  such as the number of missing teeth
• or past evidence of dental caries or periodontal
disease