Cost-Effectiveness of Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) vs. Conventional Restorations in Community-Based Dental Programs in Rural Africa

Abstract

Dental caries remains a significant public health challenge in rural Africa, where access to conventional dental care is severely limited by infrastructural, financial, and human resource constraints. This study examines the cost-effectiveness of Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) compared to conventional restorations in community-based dental programs across rural African settings. Through a comprehensive analysis of clinical outcomes, economic indicators, and implementation feasibility, this research demonstrates that ART offers a viable and economically sustainable alternative to traditional dental interventions. The findings reveal that ART reduces treatment costs by approximately 60-75% while maintaining comparable clinical success rates over a three-year period. Furthermore, the minimal equipment requirements and adaptability to field conditions make ART particularly suitable for resource-constrained environments. This paper provides critical insights for policymakers, dental practitioners, and public health administrators seeking to implement effective oral health interventions in underserved populations. The evidence suggests that scaling up ART programs could significantly improve dental health outcomes while optimizing limited healthcare budgets in rural African communities.