Training standards in implant dentistry for general dental practitioners. A report

Challenges in dental implant provision and its management in general dental practice

OBJECTIVES

Dental implants have become a well-publicised treatment modality in dentistry. Implants are generally placed in the private sector by dentists who have undertaken further learning. The continued maintenance of implants falls within the duty of care for the general dental practitioner. The objective of this qualitative study is to investigate the current status of dental implants in general dental practice, and to explore the dentists view on dental implant education at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.

METHODS

In-depth interviews as a qualitative methodology was used in the study. The participants were recruited through theoretical sampling guided by saturation of information. Based on this, 22 general dental practitioners practicing in the UK were interviewed. Transcribed interview data were coded with NVIVO software and then analysed using a thematic framework analysis method.

RESULTS

General dentists from different educational backgrounds, experience levels participated in the study. They highlighted that the guidelines and protocols when dealing with implants were unclear and expressed their unwillingness to treat patients who had their specialised dental treatment performed elsewhere.

CONCLUSION

Expensive dental implant treatment is not being followed up by the general dental practitioner due to a wide range of barriers. Unclear care paths will lead to a likely increase in problems following implant placement.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

General Dentists' views of dental implants in general practice and their expectations from education providers are explored and show the need for improved education.

Current state of training for implant dentistry in Europe: a questionnaire-based survey

OBJECTIVES

Thanks to their predictably high-success rates, dental implants have gained a firm place among the treatment options for edentulous and partially dentate patients in state-of-the-art dentistry. As a result, the need for high-level basic and continued training in implant dentistry is increasing. The present questionnaire-based survey was designed to shed light on the current state of implant training, any points of criticism and the need for a standardized training format in Europe.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between July and November 2006, a 14-item questionnaire was sent to 37 opinion leaders in 29 European countries. The questionnaires sent back were processed electronically and evaluated statistically.

RESULTS

82.8% of the participating opinion leaders responded. In the majority of the participating countries (87.5%), courses are funded by the industry. Most of the courses (43%) are confined to a few days and mainly consist of lectures in theory and hands-on training. Of the attendees, most are general dental practitioners (29%). These perform as many implant treatments as specialized dentists. In 83% of the participating countries, a standardized certified training format in implant dentistry is considered to be required.

CONCLUSION

As implant dentistry is increasingly shifting from competence centers to general dental practitioners in the practice setting, standardized training concluded with a certified diploma has become necessary. This would provide for more transparency and for disseminating state-of-the-art knowledge independent of the implant-manufacturing industry.