What is the PRIMARY goal of modern caries management?

The contemporary, evidence-based philosophy of caries management (caries management by risk assessment, CAMBRA, and similar frameworks) emphasizes PREVENTING the onset and progression of the disease process itself (through risk-factor modification, fluoride, diet, remineralization) as the primary goal, with surgical removal/restoration reserved for lesions that have already progressed to needing intervention — restoration treats the consequence, not the underlying disease process.