Atraumatic Restorative Treatment: evolution of knowledge and acceptance among Doctor of Dental Surgery of the Family Health Strategy of Ponta Grossa - Paraná, Brazil over 5 years

Abstract

Objective: this study evaluated the possible modifications in the theoretical / technical knowledge and the acceptance of the atraumatic restorative technique (ART) among Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) of the Family Health Strategy (FHS) of Ponta Grossa – PR, Brazil over 5 years. Material and Methods: for this purpose two instruments were used: in-depth interviews and semi-structured questionnaires, applied to the same group of 14 DDS that work at the FHS. During this period of time, there were moments of empowerment offered by the Health Department of the Municipality and State Health Secretariat. Results: the DDS affirmed, in the two stages of the research, to know the ART and they considered it useful in Public Health, making use of atraumatic restorations (AR) routinely. There were modifications in the perceptions regarding the definitive nature of AR; in the indication of the technique according to the characteristic of the carious lesion and according to the age of the patient; in the use of polyacrylic acid and protective agents for glass ionomer cement (GIC), among others. In addition, dentists have come to recognize GIC as essential material for the technique and to accept the maintenance of carious dentin. There was a change in the habit of scientific reading about ART among the evaluated professionals, in addition to the increase in the number of individuals who received ART training in the service. Conclusion: we can conclude that there were positive changes in the theoretical/Technical knowledge and acceptance of the ART technique among the professionals interviewed, thus acknowledging the importance of the training offered in the service.