Dental education - meeting the demands of implant dentistry

Article Abstract:

The demand for dental implants grew extensively during the 1980s, and manufacturers of implant products began to provide short courses to train dentists in implant techniques. However, dental education did not expand in a similar manner: in 1982, 50 percent of the nation's dental schools provided less than eight hours of core education in implantology. Although the situation has improved, comprehensive programs are rarely offered. This is partly the result of the shortage of qualified people to administer and teach such programs. Other specialists, such as oral surgeons, prosthodontists (who make the artificial teeth on the implants), or periodontists (who treat the gums and other supporting structures of the teeth), may want to include implantology within their areas of expertise; but it seems unlikely that these specialists could manage a high level of training in the new area, and simultaneously meet their own training needs. Implantology requires enough variation in skills and knowledge to justify its acceptance as a unique specialty, which will probably occur within five years. As practitioners become skilled and gain more experience, a pool of qualified, potential teachers will emerge. The steps a dental school should follow to establish an implantology program are outlined; the effort begins with the selection of a central coordinator or director. It is not necessary to create a separate department of implant dentistry. Possible residency and postdoctoral programs are described, as are ways that current residents in oral and maxillofacial surgery, endodontics (root and pulp disease), and oral pathology can apply their special interests to implantology. In the future, implantology education should be organized and consistent, and exist as an integral part of an overall dental educational program. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Supply and demand, Dentistry, Dental aesthetics

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Education in implant dentistry

Article Abstract:

The number of patients who currently need dental implants already exceeds the number of practitioners who can deliver them, and the dental educational system needs to expand and standardize its training in implant dentistry. Much of the current training is presented in one- to three-day courses offered by the companies that manufacture the implants. This lack of adequate education was cited by a National Institutes of Health training conference as a legitimate reason to prohibit many kinds of implant therapies. One disadvantage to manufacturer-based training is the lack of a broad, theoretical basis for deciding which implant is best for a particular patient. Institutions such as dental schools and hospitals offer their own courses, more tailored for practitioners. A review of postdoctoral and predoctoral education programs is provided; postdoctoral students are needed to foster progress in implant techniques. Overall, formal programs do not yet exist at any level. The best way to teach implant dentistry would be in a graduate department designated for that purpose. This has been done in the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, where courses are offered at pre- and postdoctoral levels. Graduates obtain a Certificate in Implant Dentistry and a Master or Doctor of Medical Sciences degree. If dentistry is to respond effectively to patients' needs, the field would do well to standardize and organize its educational goals regarding implant dentistry. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

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Implant dentistry: where are we now?

Article Abstract:

A combination of factors may increase the availability of implant dentistry. Dental implants are bone-anchored prostheses that are used to replace missing teeth. The three types of dental implants are endosseous implants, subperiosteal implants and transosteal implants. The main difference among these implants is the way in which they are anchored to the bone. Cylindrical endosseous implants are the most frequently used type of dental implant. The longevity of a dental implant varies, but the average lifespan is about 10 years. Patients selected for a dental implant should be willing to work with dentist towards treatment goals. Individuals with certain medical conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes or those who have had radiation therapy in the jaw area may not be able to undergo implant therapy. Implant therapy usually involves five phases of treatment. Dental implants can increase a patient's self esteem and quality of life significantly.

Usage, Surgery, Oral surgery

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