Knowledge and awareness among undergraduate dental students on implant-supported treatment options for completely edentulous patients: A questionnaire-based survey

Abstract

Lack of knowledge of implants and implant-supported treatment options can lead to a decrease in the successful treatment for a particular condition. To assess the knowledge and awareness among undergraduate dental students on implant-supported treatment options for completely edentulous patients.A Questionnaire-based survey consisting of 10 questions was conducted among 106 undergraduate dental students across India.60% of the undergraduate dental students knew about implant-supported prosthesis and 40% responded negatively. 33.3% of the undergraduate dental students knew the types of implant-supported prosthesis whereas 66.7% didn’t know. 64.7% of undergraduate dental students were aware of various treatment options for completely edentulous patients and 34.3% were unaware. 80% of the undergraduate dental students didn’t know the indications for implant-supported prosthesis and 20% reported adequate bone dimension as the indication. 82.9% of undergraduate dental students reported the least knowledge and awareness of implantology among them and 97.1% of undergraduate dental students reported the need for basic implantology theoretical and practical knowledge in the curriculum.: The undergraduate dental students are aware of only removable complete denture treatment options for completely edentulous arches and the level of knowledge about implantology treatment options is the lowest. Thus, making it essential to implement the theoretical and practical knowledge of basic implantology among undergraduate dental students during educational courses.