Level of Knowledge and Challenges Associated With Practice of Dental Implants among Dental Practitioners in Selected Hospitals in South East, Nigeria

Aim: This study is aimed at ascertaining the level of knowledge and challenges associated with the practice of dental implants among dental practitioners in selected hospitals in South East, Nigeria.

Study Design: the study employed cross sectional study design.

Place and Duration of Study: The research was carried out within six months (September 2018 to March 2019) in selected hospitals and clinics in South-East, Nigeria.

Methodology: Data were collected using structural pretested questionnaire administered to 117 purposefully selected consenting respondents (Dental Professionals). Data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially using SPSS version 20. The hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance and data generated were subjected to percentage findings presented by the use of tables. Data collected were analyzed and discussed.

Result: the result affirmed female respondents were more than male with 59.0%, indicating Dental Therapist as majority in proportion with 64%. On quality of implant shows 64.9% and 56.4% on comfort and function which indicates it as a good quality, 64.9% poor availability and 49.6% awareness and knowledge. While inferentially, using Pearson Chi-Square showed a significant relationship of 177.552; df = 16 @ P=0.05 between profession of respondents and knowledge of dental implant materials/devices types while using ANOVA showed a significant relationship with F =42.147; df =4 @ P=.05; knowledge of dental implant materials and assessment of dental implant to aesthetics on oral cavity, F =77.760; df =4 @ P=.05 and knowledge of dental implant materials and assessment of dental implant to retention on oral cavity, F =54.985; df =4 @ P=.05.

Conclusion: from the results obtained, accredited dental implant as an appliance capable of obviating most of dentures shortcomings which depends on contra-indication and indication of it, and its challenges in the profession. Although there are challenges associated with dental implant awareness and application in Nigeria. Recommendations and tips on successful further studies were given.