Evaluation of dentists' knowledge levels and experiences about implant-supported rehabilitation options in atrophic edental jaws

Objective: The study aims to evaluate the knowledge level and experience of dentists regarding implant-supported rehabilitation options in atrophic edentulous jaws, to raise awareness, and to emphasize the need for further training in advanced implantology. Additionally, it seeks to highlight potential educational deficiencies and provide reference data for relevant institutions to address these gaps. Materials and Methods: A total of 277 dentists participated in this research. A questionnaire was administered to assess their knowledge of advanced implantology techniques, including modified systems such as zygomatic, nasopalatal, and transnasal implants, beyond traditional implant applications. The data were analyzed using SPSS to examine the relationship between knowledge levels and procedural competence. Results: The findings revealed that a significant portion of participants felt inadequately informed about advanced implantology techniques, which was reflected in their clinical confidence. Dentists with higher knowledge levels demonstrated greater procedural competence, while those with lower knowledge levels showed a pronounced lack of clinical confidence. The results emphasized the importance of post-graduate professional development programs to address these knowledge gaps. Conclusion: The rehabilitation of atrophic edentulous jaws using implant-supported techniques requires technical expertise and experience. This study highlighted a notable deficiency in knowledge among Turkish dentists regarding advanced implantology. It underscores the necessity for more comprehensive educational programs in this field to enable more effective treatment protocols for atrophic jaw rehabilitation. Keywords: Atrophic Jaw, Dental Implant, Advanced Implantology, Zygomatic Implant, Nasopalatal Implant, Educational Deficiency, Clinical Competence.