Knowledge, Perception, Practice of Atraumatic Restorative Treatment Among Nairobi-based Dentists

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the knowledge, perception and practice of Atraumatic restorative treatment among dentists in Nairobi.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study in which questionnaires with the relevant questions were distributed to a sample of registered and practicing dentists in Nairobi who met the inclusion criteria.

Results: More male than female dentists participated in the study, and their ages ranged between twenty-two and fifty years. Most of them practice in educational institutions. 82.6% of the dentists knew that ART involves management of caries using only hand insruments and an adhesive restorative material, Glass ionomer cement. 48.2% of them knew that it was pioneered in East Africa. 76.8% of the dentists consider ART a practical procedure, but only 48.2% thought it can be used for permanent restorations. 63.5% did not think ART can be an alternative to conventional cavity preparation with rotary instruments. 72.9% of the dentists had never placed any ART restorations. Among those who had, 60.9% had placed less than five restorations. However, 82.6% thought the procedures were successful. Among those who had not placed any restorations, 66.7% had never had an opportunity to try and 55% would perform ART on their patients if given the chance. Only 16.4% of them had ever observed a demonstration on ART. 86.5% of all the dentists were interested in learning more about ART.

Conclusion: Dentists in Nairobi are knowledgeable about ART, but have a poor perception of it. Very few dentists in Nairobi execute ART restorations in their practices, though most of them are interested in learning more about it.