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Predoctoral implant dentistry programs in US dental schools
A M Weintraub1, R Seckinger, P Berthold
1Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia 19104-6003, USA.
Summary
Predoctoral implant dentistry education is expanding in US dental schools, with 86% now offering it. Lack of curriculum time and funding remain barriers for remaining programs.
Area of Science:
- Dental Education
- Implant Dentistry
Background:
- Surveys show a consistent rise in implant dentistry programs over two decades.
- This includes both predoctoral and postdoctoral levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To update the status of predoctoral implant dentistry programs.
- Focus on curriculum placement, departmental oversight, and course content.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to 54 US dental schools in June 1993.
- 50 schools (93%) responded, providing data on implant dentistry curricula.
Main Results:
- 86% of responding schools reported existing predoctoral implant dentistry curricula.
- This represents a sustained trend from 33% in 1974 and 73% in 1989.
- Lack of curriculum time and financial resources are primary obstacles for schools without programs.
Conclusions:
- The integration of implant dentistry into predoctoral dental education continues to grow.
- Oral surgery and periodontics are the leading disciplines involved.
- Curricula typically cover history, planning, implant types, and procedures, with clinical exposure increasing in later years.