Dental Implants and General Dental Practitioners of Nepal: A study of existing knowledge and need for further education

Abstract

Background & Objectives: The use of dental implants in partially or completely edentulous patients has proved effective and an accepted treatment modality with predictable long-term success. Dental implants are becoming a popular choice for replacing the missing teeth because of increased awareness about implants both in dentists and patients. The objective of the study was to assess the basic knowledge and education about dental implants among general dental practitioners (GDPs) of Nepal.Materials & Methods: A cross sectional questionnaire was carried out among 110 GDPs which consist of twenty questions that were divided into three categories; first with some basic knowledge in implant dentistry, second with clinical knowledge of dental implants and third with dental implant education and training.Results: Out of 110 GDPs, 72.7% had basic knowledge about implant dentistry and 65.5% were not aware about advance surgical procedures like sinus lift and guided bone regeneration. All the GDPs were positive regarding more training and education in dental implants and 95.5% of them would like to incorporate dental implant treatment in their practice in future. Conclusion: GDPs should have adequate knowledge and training of dental implants which can be incorporated at undergraduate or post doctoral level so that they are skilled to provide quality dental implant therapy to their patients confidently.

Current trends in dental implant practice among dentists in Nepal

“…About 69% of our study participants preferred dental implant as a treatment to replace missing tooth. Similar findings was seen in a study by Rathod V et al 12 and Shah RJ et al 18 Preference for dental implants as tooth replacement option could be due to increasing acceptance of this treatment among the dentists. Though about one fourth of the dentists had undergone extra implant training, 68.1% of them could only be seen practicing dental implants.…”

An Assessment of the Knowledge and Skill Level in Dental Implant Practice Among Urban Dentist of Chennai- A Cross Sectional Study

“…Therefore, it has become compulsory for the GDPs to be well-knowledge with dental implants. 8 Definition of successful implants is constantly changing. Currently, successful implant therapy is defined in terms of both functional and psychosocial acceptance by patients.…”

“…zirconium dioxide or aluminium oxide). [3][4][5][6][7][8] Surfaces are normally roughened (Microporous) through use of surface preparation (e.g. sand blasting and acid etching) rather than being coated to increase the surface area available for osseointegration (1).…”

“…There is an increase in both the implant manufacturers as well as the number of dentists trained in implant therapy over the past decade. [5][6][7][8] So, the aim of the present study was to know the awareness of dental implant practice among urban dentist of Chennai.…”

Contemporary Trends Regarding Knowledge And Practices Of Dental Implants Among Dental Interns Working In Educational Institutes Of Karachi, Pakistan

“…21 Other study showed an average, 80 out of 110 General dental practitioners had basic knowledge about implant dentistry and 65.5% were not aware about advance surgical procedures like sinus lift, guided bone regeneration etc., for dental implant surgery. 22 Only 9 (6.3%) interns perceived that they were well prepared in replacing the teeth with implants. 23 In an other study, 39.11% of the dental interns were very confident regarding the knowledge of implant procedures.…”