Which statement best describes ART?

• A. It uses rotary instruments to remove caries.
• B. It requires laser therapy.
• C. It uses hand instruments to remove caries and places a high-viscosity glass ionomer cement.
• D. It uses resin composite and etchant.

Answer: (C)

Atraumatic Restorative Treatment focuses on minimally invasive care using hand instruments to remove the soft, infected carious dentin while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible. After caries removal, the restoration is placed with high-viscosity glass ionomer cement. This combination fits ART because it works well in settings with limited equipment, reduces patient discomfort, and avoids drilling.

Using hand instruments is essential because it allows caries removal without the need for a drill or electric equipment, aligning with the goal of being gentle, affordable, and practical in community or pediatric care. The high-viscosity glass ionomer cement is chosen for its properties: it can be placed reliably in a more moisture-tolerant environment, it chemically bonds to dentin, releases fluoride to help prevent recurrence, and provides a durable seal suitable for small restorations.

The other approaches don’t fit ART principles. Rotary instruments imply drilling and more invasive removal of tooth structure, lasers aren’t part of the standard ART protocol, and resin composite with etching requires a precise, dry field and bonding steps that ART aims to avoid.