Types of Canadian Dentists Who Are More Likely to Provide Dental Implant Treatment

A global perspective on implant education: Cluster analysis of the "first dental implant experience" of dentists from 84 nationalities

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore the demographic and educational patterns related to the dentists' first implant dental experience.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Participants of a Massive Open Online Course in implant dentistry who have placed and restored implants completed a 25-item online questionnaire investigating their pathway of education and assessing their experience with the "first implant placement." Exploratory analysis included hierarchical clustering using 9 demographic categorical factors.

RESULTS

A total of 1015 respondents from 84 countries formed 5 distinct clusters. Age and work experience were dominant clustering traits, decreasing from Cluster 1 to Cluster 5. Clusters 1 and 3 represented "senior" and "younger" general dental practitioners, respectively, whilst Clusters 2 and 4 represented post-graduate educated clinicians. Cluster 5 represented recent graduates. Asia, South America and Africa were over-represented in "younger" clusters. Time in practice was a significant determinant of attitudes, followed by completion of post-graduate education. There were significant differences in reported patterns of challenges and complications depending on dentists' time in practice, age and post-graduate education. Challenge in implant positioning was more frequently identified by "young post-graduate" educated dentists. Recent graduates reported having the fewest complications of all clusters. Obtaining implant education in University settings was most frequently recommended by clusters of dentists with post-graduate education.

CONCLUSIONS

Time in practice is a parameter to be considered when designing implant education. The absence of structured education and mentorship might lead to inability to properly assess treatment outcomes and identify complications. Quality-assured and practice-directed education is needed at a global level, to support in particular, recent graduates who now seem to engage with implant dentistry early in their career.

Dental implant practice in French West Indies and French Guyana: a cross-sectional study among dental practitioners

Background: In 2016, 459 dentists were registered in French West Indies and French Guyana. They represent 10% of French clinicians but they work in an environment very different from continental France. The aim of this study was to describe dental implantology practices among dentists in Guadeloupe, Martinique, and French Guyana. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study, with questionnaires sent by email, was conducted from November 2016 to January 2017. Results: 116 practitioners answered. Respondents were all general practitioners, except two dentists who practiced only surgical procedures (not specialists). Implant surgeries were provided by 50% respondents and soft-tissue or hard-tissue grafting were provided by 34.5% of the sample. Prosthodontic procedures were carried out by 62.9% respondents. At last, 34.5% of the sample were not involved in implant services. Discussion: The proportion of dentists who performed implant procedures was similar to that reported in other international studies and French survey. The percentage of dentists not involved in implant dentistry still significant and the most frequently reported barriers were the expense of treatment, patient's difficulties to afford the treatment and the lack of knowledge. Conclusion: The practice of implant dentistry is widespread in French West Indies and French Guyana. Dental implant use was not different between clinicians of Guadeloupe, Martinique, and French Guyana. The number of dentists who received local implant training was lower in French Guyana.

Analysis of commonly reported medical conditions amongst patients receiving dental implant therapy in private practice

BACKGROUND

The population seeking implants in private practice is a demographically and medically unique group. Understanding their medical needs can improve treatment planning and service delivery specifically for this population.

METHODS

Privately practising dental clinicians from Victoria, Australia, participated in a five-year retrospective study. Data were collected from the medical histories of 4116 patients who met the inclusion criterion of at least one implant placed within the study period of 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2009. Descriptive statistics were used to describe patient demographics and commonly reported medical conditions.

RESULTS

The most common age group to receive implant therapy was between 51 and 60 years (30.4% of patients). The patient population reported a broad range of co-morbidities including psychiatric disorders (83 patients), cardiovascular disorders (253 patients), gastrointestinal disorders (224 patients) and respiratory disorders (502 patients). Smoking was less prevalent amongst the study population compared to the general population.

CONCLUSIONS

The population assessed in this study was a medically diverse group. Clinicians must be familiar with their target demographic and understand how the common co-morbidities amongst this patient group can influence clinical decision making and outcomes.