Operative dentistry: the missing clinical standards

Since the development of advanced adhesive technology, the use of amalgam has declined significantly. The search for amalgam substitutes, i.e., restorative materials which maintain similar clinical function and cost-effectiveness as amalgam, has so far been unsuccessful. It has also become evident that a considerable confusion prevails regarding the objectives of restorative procedures. In absence of national and international standards, the products--the restorations--are assessed according to varied criteria. In placing restorations, three objectives are attained, at most: a) tooth preservation, b) tooth preservation and function, and c) tooth preservation, function, and imperceptible restitution. The learning objective of this article is to discuss the positive effects that could be attained by defining the standards, terminology, and the quality assessment criteria for operative dentistry in regard to the patients and the dental profession.