The influence of a training programm for dentists in upper Egypt to use the ART (Atraumatic Restorative Technique) method for cleaning and filling tooth cavities, only using hand instruments.

The ART (Atraumatic Restorative Technique) approach involves opening the toothcavity with dental hatchets, removing soft carious tooth tissues with small and large excavators and filling the cavity and the adjacent pits and fissures with a handmixed or encapsulated glass ionomer.
General dental practitioners (GDPs) in many countries, including Egypt, have difficulty in accepting the modern concept of minimal intervention dentistry.

The acceptance and feasibility of the ART approach for integration in the Egyption oral health care system will be tested in this study.



Methods/desing:

A randomised controlled trial in 2 remote areas in Upper Egypte. All GDPs in these areas will be asked to participate.
Training program:

1. Lectures on modern caries management approaches;

2. Skills training on tooth preparation and restoration using the the ART approach.



Data collection:

Pretest and posttest assessments using questionnaires, to test the influence on GDPs' knowledge.

Clinical recording forms to test the change in the frequency of ART restorations.

The aim of this study is to assess the influence of a special training program on the introduction of a new technique for treating carious (cavitated) teeth with a simple method, specially developed for the health care system in low- and middle income countries.

1. Change in knowledge: Directly post training, and after another 12 months;

2. Change in clinical performance: After 3, 6, and 12 months.

Control group (n=30): Questionnaires on current knowledge and oral health care.

Intervention group (n=30):

1. Training course (3 days): Lectures and discussions on caries prevention and caries management;

2. Skills training (2 days): Training in preparation and restoration of carious teeth using the ART technique, and glass ionomer cement as restoration material;

3. Reminder sessions: Discussion on perceived barriers using the ART technique.