Conocimiento y percepción de los estudiantes de odontología sobre implantes dentales.

Abstract

Introduction: Dental implantology has emerged as an effective solution for restoring function, aesthetics, and overall patient health. It is essential for dental students to have a thorough and comprehensive understanding of implant treatment protocols, not only to properly guide their patients but also to ensure they are equipped to provide safe and effective treatments. Objective: To determine the level of knowledge and perception of dental students regarding dental implants during the B semester of 2024 at UCSG. Materials and Methods: This was an observational, prospective study in which a questionnaire was administered to assess the perception and knowledge of dental implants among 251 students from all academic cycles in the dental program. Results: The analysis revealed that 46.6% of students rated their knowledge of implants as "moderately good," while 41% highlighted longevity as the primary advantage. A total of 33.1% identified the type and material of the implant as the key factor for success, whereas 27.1% emphasized the surgical technique. Additionally, 64.9% estimated implant longevity between 5 and 20 years, 82.5% acknowledged that implants require more care than natural teeth, and 56.6% perceived implant placement as a procedure of moderate difficulty. Regarding costs, 43.4% estimated the acquisition cost of implants to be between $200 and $250, while 51.8% considered the initial surgical investment to range from $2,000 to $3,000. Furthermore, 56.2% viewed implants as a long-term solution. Conclusions: These findings highlight specific areas of implantology knowledge that require reinforcement across the different academic cycles at UCSG.