When practitioners fully understand the nature of the glass ionomer materials and use them within their limitations, their use can improve the quality of restorative dental care for young patients. The materials for young patients can be classified as luting cements, dentin replacement liners and bases, and glass ionomer dentin and enamel restorative material. Future research efforts should be directed toward improving the glass ionomer cement by increasing fracture toughness and wear resistance, decreasing hardening time, and simplifying the sensitive handling technique.