KARACHI: The Department of Community Dentistry at Baqai Dental College conducted a practical workshop on Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) for second-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students, giving them hands-on training in a minimally invasive approach to managing dental caries.
The workshop combined a theoretical session with a live clinical demonstration and individual practice on phantom-head models. The training was designed to strengthen students' understanding of ART while helping them develop the practical skills required to perform the procedure.
Students introduced to minimally invasive restorative dentistry
The workshop began with a lecture by Prof. Dr. Asghar Ali Shigri, who explained the principles and clinical relevance of Atraumatic Restorative Treatment.
ART is a minimally invasive restorative technique that uses hand instruments to remove decayed tooth tissue before restoring the cavity with adhesive restorative materials. The approach is particularly relevant to preventive and community dentistry because it can reduce reliance on conventional rotary equipment in appropriate cases.
During the session, students were introduced to case selection criteria, indications and contraindications, as well as the instruments and restorative materials required for ART.
The lecture also covered aspects of clinical ergonomics, with emphasis on proper operator posture, patient positioning and dental chair setup. These elements were discussed as important components of safe, efficient and effective dental practice.
Training moves from classroom to phantom-head laboratory
Following the theoretical component, students moved to the Phantom Head Laboratory for practical training.
A live demonstration provided students with a step-by-step overview of the ART procedure, beginning with the correct positioning of the operator and dental assistant. Faculty members demonstrated the technique systematically before students were given the opportunity to practise it themselves.
The practical component allowed students to move beyond understanding the procedure theoretically and apply the principles they had learned in a simulated clinical environment.
Faculty supervise hands-on ART practice
The workshop was supervised by faculty members from the Department of Community Dentistry, including Dr. Samreen Mazhar, Dr. Mahwish Bano, Dr. Raza Abidi and Dr. Nauman Qamar.
Following the demonstration, participating students individually performed the ART procedure on phantom-head models under faculty supervision.
The hands-on training enabled students to practise the sequence of the procedure, receive guidance from faculty members and gain greater familiarity with the instruments and techniques involved.
For second-year BDS students, such simulation-based training provides an opportunity to develop practical competence before applying restorative techniques in actual patient-care settings.
ART training strengthens community dentistry skills
Atraumatic Restorative Treatment has an important place in minimally invasive and community-oriented dentistry, particularly because the technique relies on hand instruments and adhesive restorative materials rather than conventional rotary instrumentation.
Introducing students to ART during their undergraduate training can therefore broaden their understanding of approaches to caries management and preventive oral healthcare.
The Baqai Dental College workshop also highlighted the role of practical education in preparing dental students to translate theoretical knowledge into clinical skills.
The session concluded with a group photograph of the faculty and participating students, marking the completion of the practical training programme.
Stay connected with Dental News Pakistan
CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW the official Dental News Pakistan WhatsApp Channel for the latest PMDC updates, dental education news, student achievements, professional developments, research breakthroughs and important regulatory developments affecting Pakistan's dental community.