Dental implant maintenance teaching in Australia – a survey of education providers

INTRODUCTION: Implant treatments and peri-implant maintenance continue apace, while the evidence for implant maintenance and home hygiene continues to be developed. Information sources for dental practitioners and patients in peri-implant health maintenance and disease management are generally not known. This study investigated the implant maintenance topics taught, the discipline backgrounds of convenors and presenters and information delivery methods within implant dentistry teaching in Australia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online survey was distributed to 56 convenors of implant dentistry and maintenance education programmes in Australia, garnering responses from 24 individuals which outlined 43 different education programmes. RESULTS: Lectures were the main delivery method for implant maintenance information across the different course types. Peri-implant diagnostics were generally taught according to current literature recommendations, but coverage varied in topics where the evidence is yet to be established (eg home hygiene, professional maintenance and implant review). Some educators reported awareness of limitations in their programmes. CONCLUSION: Implant dentistry education programmes in Australia vary widely in teaching implant maintenance, coverage of which should be current and evidence-based at all education levels. The structure of implant dentistry teaching at the continuing professional development level requires further development.