Knowledge, attitude, and practice of dental implantology in Nigeria.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of dental implantology among dentists practicing in Nigeria.


METHODS
Self-administered questionnaires to assess the knowledge, practice, and attitude of dental implantology were sent to dentists practicing in all the 6 geopolitical zones of Nigeria (i.e., all tertiary dental institutions, and selected general and private hospitals within the zones). Data collected were analyzed and presented in descriptive and tabular forms.


RESULTS
The response rate was 77%. Only 2 (1.3%) of the respondents claimed to have employed implant(s) for dental restoration in their practice, while 152 respondents (98.7%) have never used implants as a method of tooth/teeth restoration. Of the latter, 46.1% have suggested implants for full/partial denture patients, 31.8% have suggested dental implants to patients needing single-tooth replacement, and 89.6% were ready for dental implant placement if equipment and materials for dental implants backed up with adequate training were provided. Of respondents, 83.1% also believed that implantology is a multidisciplinary approach, and 42.9% rated implants as the best option for dental restoration.


CONCLUSIONS
The practice of implant dentistry is presently very low in Nigeria. Clearly, there is a need for dental implant education for Nigerian dentists to increase their knowledge and proficiency in dental implant dentistry. In addition, all efforts should be made to include implant education and practice in dental curricula in undergraduate and postgraduate institutions in Nigeria.
Akeredolu
Patricia A
PA
Department of Restorative Dentistry, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, and Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria. toksakeredolu@yahoo.com
Adeyemo
Wasiu L
WL
Gbotolorun
Olalekan M
OM
James
Olutayo
O
Olorunfemi
Babatunde O
BO
Arotiba
Godwin T
GT
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003757:Dental Implantation / Q000193:education; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015921:Dental Implants / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D009549:Nigeria; D019239:Practice Patterns, Dentists' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D015921:Dental Implants