Resumo

PINHEIRO, Sthefani; CORRALO, Daniela Jorge  e  DO PRADO FUNK, Paulo. Knowledge, frequency, and indications for use of the Atraumatic Restorative Treatment by dental surgeons of the municipal health network of Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil. RFO UPF [online]. 2016, vol.21, n.3, pp. 325-330. ISSN 1413-4012.

The Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) allows treating caries with the aid of hand tools (dental curette), and then restoring the cavity with glass ionomer cement (GIC). In most cases, anesthesia and absolute isolation are dismissed. This treatment is performed in places with no access to dental offices or when the patient is unable to receive conventional treatment. Objective: this study aimed to verify the knowledge of dental surgeons working in the municipal health network of Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil, on the Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART), as well as its indications and frequency of use in the clinical routine. Subjects and method: the sample was composed of 29 dentists working in health facilities during the period of data collection, who answered a questionnaire on ART. Results: it was found that most professionals who have heard of the ART technique (93%) know their indications, especially regarding the materials used (85%). However, these professionals mistake ART for the adequacy of the oral environment. A total of 21 dentals surgeons (77.8%) report using the technique or having used it in the past. Conclusion: it is concluded that dental surgeons know the indications of ART, but need more knowledge regarding the aspects that differ ART from the adequacy of the oral environment and definitive restorative treatment. The technique is mainly used by professionals in the public service, showing satisfactory results that make it effective for use in the health network.

Palavras-chave : Atraumatic restorative treatment; Glass ionomer cement; Dental cavity.