Dentistry in Russia: Past and Presence

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this review was to analyze the development of dentistry in Russia since the 1970s with special reference to the diagnosis and treatment of caries. In this connection, the concept of minimally invasive dentistry is discussed. Study Design: This is a narrative review based on the Russian and international literature. Methods: The search of international literature was performed using PubMed. Russian-language publications were searched in the Internet, in libraries and the electronic database eLibrary.ru. Results: The motto of the Soviet healthcare was priority of prophylaxis, realized by medical checkups (so-called dispensarizations) at schools, factories and institutions. Initial and sometimes questionable caries was treated by dry cutting. The necessity to spare dental tissues has been undervalued. Early start of the restoration cycle, together with suboptimal quality of filling materials, caused enlargement of cavities and eventually led to fractures and extractions. Consent for the treatment was not always asked especially from children and adolescents or their parents. The overtreatment tendency of dental caries has been preserved until today. Besides, treatments potentially contributing to gingival recession are discussed. The large-scale privatization of dentistry since 1990 created new problems. Some practitioners avoid conservative treatment of advanced lesions in favor of prosthetics. Conclusion: Economical re-routing of dental practices is necessary, so that they could survive using preventive and minimally-invasive methods more extensively. Improvements in ethical standards of healthcare providers and use of foreign expertise are needed.