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Published on: February 19, 2021
Programmatic assessment of a university-based implant training program using patient-reported outcomes
Mohanad Al-Sabbagh1, Diane W Jenkins2, Reny de Leeuw2
1Dr. Al-Sabbagh is Division Chief and Graduate Program Director of Periodontology, Department of Oral Health Practice, University of Kentucky College of Dentistry; Dr. Jenkins is in private practice, Greenville, SC; Dr. de Leeuw is Professor and Chief, Division of Oral Facial Pain, University of Kentucky College of Dentistry; Dr. Nihill is Associate Professor, Division of Restorative Dentistry, University of Kentucky College of Dentistry; Dr. Robinson is Associate Dean for Clinical Administration and Patient Care, The Ohio State University; and Dr. Thomas is Former Chair and Professor, Department of Oral Health Practice, University of Kentucky College of Dentistry. malsa2@email.uky.edu.
Abstract:
The University of Kentucky College of Dentistry (UKCD) established an implant training program that provides training in the use of a single implant system, evidence-based diagnostic and treatment protocols (standardized work practices), and a total quality management system (Implant Quality Assurance Program). The aim of this study was to assess the programmatic effectiveness of the UKCD implant training program by reporting the success and survival of implants placed, using patient-reported outcomes and comparing them to previously established benchmarks. A total of 415 patients (963 implants) were interviewed, approximately 50 percent of all qualified patients. The implant survival rate was 97 percent, and 88 percent of the implants were considered successful (as determined by patient-centric criteria). These outcomes were consistent with the program's previously established benchmarks of 90 percent. These results suggest that work standardization (in the form of specific treatment protocols) and the use of a formal, incremental learning system can result in positive patient outcomes. Clinical outcomes should be monitored in academic dental settings as part of clinical process improvement, and these outcomes can provide a means of assessing the effectiveness of the training program.
