No abstract

Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) was originally developed in field settings in African subcontinent (Tanzania) by University of Dar el Salaam in 1980s; subsequently World Health Organization (WHO) promotes the use of ART especially with children. As the name indicates Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) is basically a minimally invasive procedure that involves removing of softened carious dentine using hand instruments and then restoring the cavity with an adhesive material usually the Glass Ionomer Cement [1]. ART is based on the maximum preservation of sound tooth tissue and the minimum feeling of discomfort and pain, since there is use of hand instruments it perhaps also reduces pain due to reduced vibrations as occurs while use of rotary dental instruments. This technique is gaining popularity and acceptability especially in children, elderly and with those individuals who have fear and anxiety about dental treatment [2, 3]. ART requires use of very minimal portable dental equipment and was designed to use in field/community settings. It was developed for use in less developed countries of the world, where art was seen as an affordable option for patents who can't afford to pay for more sophisticated treatments, but with improved technique and use of improved restorative materials its use has considerable expanded to developed countries as well [4-6]. This article gives a brief overview of ART and its uses in the present scenario.

No abstract