Comparative evaluation of the curricula for dental implants in post-graduate courses in dental faculties in Iran

Background and aims. Dental implant education is inevitable in dental educational programs of dental schools. The aim of the present study was to determine and evaluate the curricula and teaching methods for dental implants in specialty courses of periodontics, maxillofacial surgery and prosthodontics in Iran. Materials and methods. In the present study, 6 dental faculties were evaluated. Data was collected through discussions in small groups with authorities, academic staff and post-graduate students. A special questionnaire was used for quantitative variables. Descriptive statistical methods (means, medians, and ranges) were used when necessary. Results. All the dental faculties had dental implant educational programs in their curricula. However, the details were unspecified and the programs were presented differently in different faculties. A total of 82.3% of the academic staff of the departments involved participated in the programs. Lack of funds and facilities were reported as the most important factors limiting implant educational programs. Forty-five articles by the academic staff of dental faculties in Iran have been cited in Pubmed.