Dragan IF, Pirc M, Rizea C, Yao J, Acharya A, Mattheos N. A global perspective on implant education: Cluster analysis of the "first dental implant experience" of dentists from 84 nationalities.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF DENTAL EDUCATION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR DENTAL EDUCATION IN EUROPE 2019;
23:251-265. [PMID:
30710398 DOI:
10.1111/eje.12426]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
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.
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