Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) Application and Education in US Graduate Programs: A Cross-Sectional Study

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) application and education in clinical use among US graduate periodontology, endodontic, and oral and maxillofacial surgery programs. A survey questionnaire was electronically distributed to 84 oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS), 46 endodontic, and 46 periodontology program directors in the US (n = 176). The questions focused on PRF implementation, types of equipment used, specific procedures for which PRF was employed, and the level of education and clinical training provided to residents. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Fisher's exact test. A total of 55 directors responded (31% response rate). The study found that participating periodontology and OMFS programs used PRF (100% and 65%, respectively), although its use was considerably less common in endodontics programs (19%). PRF was utilized in a variety of applications, but most commonly in bone grafting procedures (97%). Twenty-two (71%) of the participating programs provided didactic and clinical training, with the majority (65%) offering 1-5 h of instruction (p = 0.044). Of the programs not currently implementing PRF, the major barrier identified was "equipment availability." In conclusion, this study indicates that most graduate periodontology and OMFS programs are providing PRF training and treatment. Significant variability exists in PRF application, training methods, and time allocation, equipment used, and the methods for evaluating treatment effectiveness across these programs. These findings suggest a need for further standardization to optimize PRF's integration into dental education and clinical practice.