(PO-198) Transitioning to a Digital Workflow for Implant Placement

Author: Guadalupe G. Fay, D.M.D. – Clinical Associate Professor, University of Maryland School of Dentistry
Submitter: Guadalupe G. Fay, D.M.D. – Clinical Associate Professor, University of Maryland School of Dentistry

Introduction: Establishing a new curriculum that involves transitioning analog procedures to digital procedures for implant placement is a must to improve the implant dentistry curriculum. Understanding proper implant placement, treatment planning of implants and implant restorations is a key aspect in a general dentistry curriculum. The aim of transitioning to a digital workflow for implant placement is to have success in its entirety of both surgical and restorative aspects including a good prognosis and understanding possible complications.

Materials: A general assessment was done in order to gather initial information of transitioning the predoctoral curriculum from analog to digital in surgical implant placement. Assessment was conducted with the interest of establishing initial feedback in transitioning the curriculum for the class of 2022. Establishing support from laboratory equipment to digital equipment is important along with IT support and digital software support during the transition. The following updates had to be introduced in order to have a smooth transition in the implant curriculum: 1. implant lectures that included more didactic information regarding guided surgical planning 2. a preclinical laboratory with a surgical hands-on component for learning the surgical planning software, 3. a clinical guide with a digital workflow that included both fixed and removable prosthodontics, 4. faculty and dental technician involvement and calibration. Assessment was done on items including pre-clinical preparation, lectures, learning modules, videos, laboratory experience and a clinical guide.

Results: Early assessments showed there is value to starting the digital workflow early in the implant prosthodontics course or earlier.

Conclusion: Implementing a clinical guide and laboratory hands-on training enhanced student’s understanding of guided surgery for implant placement