Originally published in 2019.
Republished in 2022 following global agreement validation.
The 2022 version reflects methodological standardisation within the IAPD Consensus & Foundational Articles framework and formal evaluation of international agreement. No substantive changes were made to the clinical recommendations.
Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) is a minimally invasive approach to the management of dental caries that involves the removal of soft, demineralised carious tissue using hand instruments, followed by restoration of the cavity with an adhesive restorative material, typically high-viscosity glass ionomer cement.
ART was originally developed to improve access to dental care in underserved or resource-limited settings, but it is now recognised as a valuable treatment option in a wide range of clinical situations.
Core principles include:
ART supports minimally invasive dentistry by focusing on disease control, preservation of tooth structure, and improved access to care.
Atraumatic Restorative Treatment is an effective method for managing dental caries in primary teeth, particularly for single-surface lesions.
High-viscosity glass ionomer cement is the preferred restorative material for ART because of its adhesive properties and fluoride release.
ART may be used as part of community-based oral health programmes and in settings where access to conventional dental equipment is limited.
(Evidence-based recommendations are not subject to global agreement scoring.)
(Evaluated for Global Agreement in 2022)
ART may be considered an appropriate treatment option for managing dental caries in children who have limited cooperation or when conventional restorative care is not immediately feasible.
ART should be integrated with preventive measures, including oral hygiene education, dietary counselling, and appropriate fluoride use.
Dental professionals should receive appropriate training in the clinical techniques required for effective implementation of ART.
To support clinical implementation and knowledge translation, IAPD has developed complementary educational materials.
🎙 IAPD Podcast Series
Topics related to minimally invasive dentistry and community-based caries management may be discussed within the IAPD Podcast Series.
▶ Listen to the Podcast
🎥 IAPD Webinar
Relevant webinars may explore clinical techniques and preventive strategies associated with minimally invasive dental care.
Atraumatic Restorative Treatment: From hand-mixed to encapsulated glass ionomer cements – Dr. Eraldo Pesaressi Torres
International Association of Paediatric Dentistry (IAPD).
IAPD Foundational Articles and Recommendations on Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART).
Originally published 2019. Global Agreement Validation 2022.
