Perception and Knowledge of Dentists in Southern Brazil Related to use of Atraumatic Restorative Treatment in the Public Health Service

摘要

Objective: To investigate the perception and knowledge of dentists regarding use of the Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) in public health services o f cities in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) , Brazil . Material and Methods: A cross - sectional study was conducted using a self - administered questionnaire with 60 dentists who work with public dentistry services. To evaluate possible association s between the use of ART and the independent variables we used the chi - square test and logistic regression models ( α = 0.05) . Results: Forty - four questionnaires were completed, resulting in a response rate of 73%. Of the respondents, 70.4% supported the us e of ART and 81.8% reported having some training in the technique. However, 72.7% consider ART to be a temporary or urgent treatment. Professionals who do not advocate the use of ART were 76% less likely to use the technique when compared to their colleagu es who defend the use of the technique (OR = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.06 to 0.98) . Conclusion: While most dentists have knowledge and positive attitude towards ART, greater dissemination is required for this technique can be used effectively on the public service.