Atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) in the post-pandemic era: A non-aerosol generating approach for safer dental practice

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly reshaped global dental practices by emphasizing infection control and the reduction of aerosol-generating procedures. Conventional restorative dentistry often relies on rotary instrumentation and water spray, which pose a heightened risk of cross-contamination. In this context, Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) has re-emerged as a vital approach, aligning with the principles of minimal intervention and non-aerosol generation. This review aims to explore the relevance, effectiveness, and clinical implications of ART in the post-pandemic era, highlighting its role in promoting safer dental care. ART utilizes only hand instruments for caries removal and employs high-viscosity glass ionomer cements for tooth restoration, thereby minimizing aerosol production and enhancing infection control. Recent advancements, including the use of Silver-Modified ART (SMART) and bioactive glass ionomer formulations, have improved its antibacterial properties, durability, and esthetics. Evidence suggests that ART offers comparable success rates to conventional restorations in primary and certain permanent teeth, particularly in community and resource-limited settings. In conclusion, ART represents a safe, cost-effective, and minimally invasive restorative technique that meets the evolving needs of post-pandemic dental care. With ongoing material innovations and wider integration into clinical protocols, ART can serve as a sustainable model for infection-conscious, patient-friendly dentistry in the future.