Knowledge, perception and practice of atraumatic restorative treatment among dentists in Nairobi

Abstract

Aim: To determine the knowledge, perception and practice of atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) approach among dentists in Nairobi. Design: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving registered and practicing dentists in Nairobi. Materials and Method: A total of 120 registered dental practitioners based in Nairobi, and who had practiced for more than a year after internship were identified to participate in the study, but only 86 actually did. Information on the knowledge, perception and practice of Atraumatic Restorative Treatment was collected using semi¬structured questionnaires. The data gathered was analyzed using SPSS. Results: Majority of the respondents knew about ART approach(82.6%), considered ART a practical procedure(76.8%). and did not think ART can be an alternative to conventional restorative methods(63.5%). 48.2% thought it can be used for permanent restorations. A total of 72.9% of the dentists had never placed any ART restoraric.is. 60.9% of those who had practiced ART had placed less than five restorations. However, 32.6% 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. 86.5% of all the dentists were interested in learning more about ART. Conclusions: It was established that majority of the dentists in Nairobi are knoledgeable about ART, but they have a poor perception of the technique. The study also established that few dentists applied the ART approach in their practices. Recommendations: There is need to improve the knowledge and perception of ART among the dentists through continuing dental education seminars and workshops, in order-to encourage them to use the technique especially in the underprivileged communities without proper dental facilities.