title: Teaching mandibular implant-Supported overdentures in dental schools in North America - a survey.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Mandibular two-implant overdentures are considered the minimum standard of care for edentulous patients and provide an excellent performance, as well as satisfaction to the patients. Dental schools are required to promote the teaching of current treatment options in order to enable students to master state-of-the-art procedures.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to examine how the theoretical and practical aspects of mandibular two-implant overdentures are taught in dental schools in North America.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected via an online questionnaire that included questions regarding the theoretical and clinical courses, surgical procedure and imaging method.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 75 schools, 36 responded to the survey. Almost all the schools teach the subject theoretically, but it is not mandatory for students to perform in most of the schools. Only a minority (23%) of the mandibular dentures made by students are implant-supported. Almost all of the schools (94%) use two implants to support overdentures, and Locator abutment is used almost exclusively. The prevalent imaging for the surgical procedure is CT scans, although 30% of the schools use panoramic radiograph. None of the schools loads the implants immediately after surgery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Some clear trends are apparent in the current survey: the use of two implants, no use of bar connectors and delayed loading of the implants. It is likely that graduates will not have sufficient clinical skills and will need continuing education to be familiar with the required procedures, both surgical and prosthetic.
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hebrew University-Hadassah, Jerusalem, Israel.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ben-Gal
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hebrew University-Hadassah, Jerusalem, Israel.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Ziv
authors.affiliation: Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.
authors.forename: E I
authors.initials: EI
authors.lastname: Weiss
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hebrew University-Hadassah, Jerusalem, Israel.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zabrovsky
mesh_terms: D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D003828:Denture, Overlay; D004497:Education, Dental; D006801:Humans; D008334:Mandible; D009656:North America; D012575:Schools, Dental; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: dental education; implant-supported overdenture; removable prosthodontics; survey