Prosthetic rehabilitation over implants in undergraduate education: removable prosthodontic, faculty of dentistry, university of concepcion, Chile

Abstract

Purpose: Removable Prosthodontic, Dental School, University of Concepción, with support of two suppliers of implants, from 2006 began a pilot undergraduate curriculum modification for teaching implantology and prosthetic rehabilitation making mandibular overdentures retained to two implants. This study describes the entire process of curricular modification.Methods: 422 edentulous patients were rehabilitated with complete dentures for 422 year undergraduate students of the 4 years undergraduate 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011 University. Of the 422 patients, 97 patients with atrophic edges were selected to install Branemark implants (2007,2008 and 2009) and Zimmer implants (2010 and 2011) subsequently connected to mandibular overdentures. To ensure that all undergraduate students had the same experience, each course was organized annually in groups of four students, who participated in installation of implants and overdenture connection, tutored by faculties guide. Students and faculties guide were previously trained by specialists from the School in osseointegration and Prosthetic Rehabilitation on implants. In selected patients, prosthesis retention and the therapeutic satisfaction with them, was evaluated before and after installing the implants; connection to overdentures were made by students in Removable Prosthodontic. Opinion Survey was applied to students about this curricular experience. Results:The results of measurements Prosthesis Retention and Satisfaction Therapeutics in patients, and the opinion of students, revealed statistically significant changes. Conclusion:This results indicated the desirability of continuing the experience because it had a positive impact on the physical, mental and social well-being of selected patients, and attitude of students.