Attitudes of general dental practitioners towards implant dentistry in an environment with widespread provision of implant therapy

Objectives To determine attitudes of general dental practitioners in a community where provision dental implants is a well-known treatment modality; and to identify variations in the attitudes with respect to dentists' factors, training factors and implant provision factors. Methods A questionnaire survey to a random sample of registered dentists In Hong Kong was performed. Attitudes towards implant dentistry with respect to (i) perceived superiority of implant therapy, (ii) perceived outcomes of dental implant therapy, (iii) perceived complications & maintenance issues and (iv) placement issues were ascertained. In addition, information was collected on dentists' factors, training factors and implant provision factors. Variations in attitudes towards implant dentistry were explored in bivariate and regression analyses. Results Among eligible practitioners (n=246), the response rate was 46.3%. Dentists perceived implants to be superior to conventional prostheses for the replacement of a single missing posterior tooth (80%, 67) and likewise, for the replacement of a single missing anterior tooth (67%, 67), P<0.05. Variations in attitudes with respect to attitudes exists with respect to dentists' factors (years in practice [P<0.05]), place of graduation (P<0.05); implant trainings factors (hand-on training [P<0.05]); number of days of training (P<0.05) and implant experience factors (Number of patients treated [P<0.05]) and number of implants placed (P<0.05). Conclusions In a community where provision of dental implants is widespread among its General Dental Practitioners (GDPs), their attitudes are not wholly in line with evidence-based knowledge. Variations in their attitudes existed with respect to dentist factors, training and experience issues.