Conservative Management of Dental Caries Using Silver Nitrate and Atraumatic Restorative Treatment in Remote Rural Setting.

Managing dental caries remains a challenge to clinicians­more so when treating caries in remote, underserved areas of the world. The purpose of this article is to report preliminary results of an effort to reduce to practice the best features of silver nitrate (SN) anti-caries effect and atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) for lesion preparation and restoration. The modifications made to two approaches have practical applications to school-based outreach programs hoping to respond to the dire need for preventive and conservative restorative methods in parts of the world where access to the dental office is unobtainable.

Sequential years of dental outreach to Jamaica. Gains toward improved caries status of children.

In the years 2007 to 2011, faculty, pediatric dental residents and dental students lead by New York University College of Dentistry and Healthcare International Reachout, Inc., traveled to the Hoolebury School, Saint Ann Parish, Jamaica, where they provided treatment to 172 children. The service project focused on dental health promotion, education and prevention. Although not a randomized controlled trial, the statistical evidence from records of treatment received and the presence of decay strongly suggests the positive benefit of repeat dental visits and the placement of sealants on permanent molars in these children.