Oral Implantology in General Dental Practice in The Netherlands

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Oral Implantology in General Dental Practice in The Netherlands
26 June 2003
J.J.M. BRUERS1, R.J. GOEN?‚2, J. DEN BOER1, B.A. VAN DAM1, and G.L.A. ZEEGERS1, 1 Dutch Dental Association (NMT), Nieuwegein, Netherlands, 2 Dutch Society of Oral Implantology, Avenhorn, Netherlands
IADR
Objective: Today oral implantology offers a reliable technique for restorative practices in dentistry. In order to obtain information about the opinions of Dutch dentists on and their apply of implant dentistry, in 2002 a survey was undertaken by the Dutch Dental Association (NMT) in cooperation with the Dutch Society of Oral Implantology NVOI). Methods: To this purpose, in June 2002 a representative group of 750 dentists was asked to fill in a questionnaire. 529 of these dentists have in effect returned their completed questionnaires (a response of 71%). The data were analyzed by using SPSS (frequencies, ANOVA). Results: It appears, among other things, that most dentists (78%) consider implant dentistry as an adequate treatment in general dental practice. 11% of the dentists actually insert dental implants themselves, whereas 71% (also) make supra structures on implants. In most cases these supra structures appear to be overdentures (78%), single tooth implants (60%) and/or bridgework (48%). The majority of the dentists (95%) (also) refers patients for implant treatment. On average Dutch dentists have per 1.000 patients in their practice about 12 patients wearing implant-supported prostheses. Over half (57%) of the dentists indicate that they have taken a course on inserting implants and/or on making supra structures, while 52% visited a conference on these subjects. Conclusion: The survey has produced actual information about the opinions and the conduct of Dutch dentists on implant dentistry in general practice. This information is very useful to the NMT and the NVOI for setting out their policies and strategy with regard to reimbursement and quality of implant dentistry in The Netherlands.