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Integration of Digital Dentistry into a Predoctoral Implant Program: Program Description, Rationale, and Utilization
Fatemeh S Afshari1, Cortino Sukotjo1, Maria F Alfaro1
1Dr. Afshari is Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Restorative Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago; Dr. Sukotjo is Associate Professor, Department of Restorative Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago; Dr. Alfaro is a prosthodontics resident, Department of Biological and Materials Sciences and Division of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan; Dr. McCombs is a dental graduate of the College of Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago; Dr. Campbell is Professor and Head, Department of Restorative Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago; Dr. Knoernschild is Professor and Program Director of Advanced Prosthodontics, Department of Restorative Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago; and Dr. Yuan is Associate Professor and Predoctoral Implant Program Director, Department of Restorative Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago.
Abstract:
A recently revised predoctoral implant curriculum at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry integrated digital dentistry into both the preclinical dental implant course and clinical activities. Traditionally, competence in the didactic and clinical parts of predoctoral education in single tooth implant restorations has emphasized the analog impression technique and subsequent mounting of soft tissue working casts. However, computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) implant restorations can play a significant role in predoctoral dental education utilizing digital technologies. The goal of the curriculum expansion is to transition from analog to partially digital and, finally, complete digital workflow. The aim of this article is to describe the specific components, implementation, and rationale for the new digitally integrated implant curriculum and present short-term clinical utilization trends.
