The limitations in clinical teaching, learning and practice of conservative amalgam cavity preparations in developing countries

Abstract

Amalgam is the cheapest and the most widely used intra-coronal posterior restorative material in the world.Therefore, the teaching, learning and practice of conservative amalgam cavity preparations cannot be ignored by any dental school. Since the introduction of the principles and methods of cavity preparation by G.V Black in 1908, there have been a series of modifications in terms of designs and the underlining principles.
The “extension for prevention” dogma by G.V Black had been jettisoned while the modern concept of conservatism or minimal cavity preparation has been well embraced by dental practitioners. However, there are some limitations in clinical teaching of conservative amalgam cavity preparation which include late patient presentation with large carious lesions, lack of appropriate conservative instruments and restorative materials. This article discusses limitations in teaching, learning and practice of conservative amalgam cavity preparation in the developing countries.

Key Words: Teaching, learning, practice, amalgam, minimal preparation.