Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of undergraduate dental students toward dental implants--an all India survey.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aims to gauge the knowledge and perceptions of undergraduate dental students or residents toward dental implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The dental colleges in India were divided into 5 zones, and by random selection method, 7 colleges were selected from each zone. Thus, a total of 35 dental institutions were selected, which included 2800 residents. A printed questionnaire consisting of 15 questions, which assessed the level and source of information regarding implants, was prepared and distributed. RESULTS: A total of 2800 questionnaires were posted of which 2041 responses were received (response rate was 72.89%). This study shows that 81.1% of the residents believed that they were not provided sufficient information and a whopping 91.7% of them coveted more information about implants in their undergraduate curriculum. CONCLUSION: This study concludes that a revision in the undergraduate dental curriculum is required to make the students better equipped with the technicalities of implant dentistry.