KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF DENTAL IMPLANTS AMONG DENTAL PRACTITIONERS- A REGIONAL SURVEY

BACKGROUND: To assess and compare the level of knowledge, awareness and practice of dental implants among dental practitioners in Madurai region through a questionnaire survey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A structured questionnaire survey was done to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of dental implants among the dental practitioners through Google form. Two interviewers with dental background did the study, for a period of 4 months. Questions were structured with close-ended and open-ended questions. RESULTS: 76 participants recorded their responses for this survey. Out of 76 participants, 76.3% of responders were practicing dental implants. Upon assessing the years of experience, 28% of responders with 1-3 years of practice were more interested towards implant dentistry. 63.2% of practitioners had undergone an implant course and the predominant source of knowledge is through books and basic implant course. CONCLUSION: This survey reflects the current scenario of the practicing dentist, who are updating and upgrading to emerging dental science such as dental implants. Those who had less than 3 years of experience displayed more positive attitude towards dental implants. Majority of dental practitioners despite having good knowledge about dental implants preferred other treatment options due to cost effectiveness of implant therapy. KEYWORDS: Dental implants, Dental practitioner, Web-based questionnaire and Cross-sectional survey