Digital Implant Dentistry Predoctoral Program at University of Kentucky

Abstract

This report describes the predoctoral comprehensive digital implant dentistry program at the University of Kentucky, College of Dentistry (UKCD). UKCD has implemented a digital dentistry workflow in the dental curriculum for predoctoral and graduate programs since 2018. Digital implant dentistry education involves using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) for diagnosis and treatment planning, intraoral scanner for digital impression, and treatment planning software to plan for single implant-supported restorations and implant-retained mandibular overdenture cases. The laboratory components include virtual designing of a surgical guide and using three-dimensional printing to fabricate a fully guided surgical template for implant placement procedures for the patient. In the last 3 years, including the COVID year, a total of 294 implants have been placed by dental students. Unfortunately, 6 implants failed in the early healing time due to infection, with an overall success rate of 98%. These treatment outcomes are very favorable compared with published literature.