The aim of this study was to assess the acceptability and effectiveness
of ART restorations placed without tooth surface conditioning on
occlusal caries in the permanent dentition in a primary oral health
care centre in Nigeria. A total of 93 ART restorations were placed
without tooth conditioning in children and adolescents aged 13.1
(±3.0) years by a dentist trained in the ART approach. This study
was carried out in a primary oral health care centre in a low
socioeconomic community, Southwestern Nigeria. The restorations were
evaluated every 6 months for 2 years by one independent examiner. The
cumulative survival rates were determined by the coded scores and
standard criteria for evaluation of ART restorations. Over 95.0% of the
children reported that the treatment was not painful and 94.8%
responded that they would make recall visits. A similarly high
proportion reported that they would encourage others with dental caries
to come for the ART. The cumulative 2- year survival rate of single
surface occlusal ART restorations placed without conditioner was 88.5%
(SE=2.9%). The ART restorations placed without tooth conditioning were
shown to be acceptable and effective in the management of
single-surface occlusal caries in the permanent dentition of children
and adolescents in a primary care setting