[The acceptance of the Hall technique for primary carious molars nowadays].

Abstract

Dental caries remains one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide, affecting approximately 514 million children and increasing every year. Among Hungarian preschoolers, an average of 3-4 primary teeth are affected per child. The Hall technique was introduced in the early 2000s, it is a minimally invasive approach for managing carious primary molars. Its benefits include suitability for uncooperative or anxious pediatric patients, procedural simplicity, and cost- and time-efficiency. Despite numerous studies demonstrating its effectiveness, its integration into routine pediatric dental practice remains limited. This review aims to assess the current acceptance of the Hall technique among children, parents, and dental professionals. For this research, we used 28 scientific papers, published between 2006–2024. Children who participated generally had a positive view of the procedure, with the majority (81–89%) reporting no or minimal discomfort. On a scale of one to ten, the procedure was rated as moderately burdensome (grade 4), with 47% citing the taste of the luting cement as the most unpleasant aspect. Parents considered the inconvenience perceived by their children to be minor and were overwhelmingly positive (80–84%) about the technique. Although the majority of dentists were familiar with the Hall technique, few had used it in practice. Clinical outcomes are favorable, with 75% of treated primary molars retained three years post-operatively. The technique is primarily indicated for class II asymptomatic carious lesions in children presenting with behavioral management difficulties or limited cooperation. Despite its proven efficacy, acceptance and implementation of the Hall technique in pediatric dentistry continue to face challenges, with varying opinions regarding treatment quality. Wider adoption requires further evidence-based clinical data and increased training and support for dentists. Orv Hetil. 2025; 166(28): 1099–1106.