Knowledge and Awareness of Dental Students Regarding Dental Implants in Turkey

Abstract

Aim: As future dentists, undergraduate dental students require comprehensive and effective training in implantology to deliver accurate and evidence-based implant treatment. However, there is limited and inconclusive evidence regarding whether dental students possess sufficient foundational knowledge of dental implantology. This study aimed to compare the levels of awareness and knowledge related to implant treatment among undergraduate dental students receiving implant education at a university in Turkey, specifically between final-year students nearing graduation and fourth-year students still enrolled in the program.Material and Methods: The study population consisted of undergraduate dental students at xxx, xxx. A total of 121 students participated, including 54 fourth year and 67 fifth-year students. Data were collected using an electronic questionnaire developed through Google Forms (Google LLC, United States), which comprised 29 questions. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 22. Chi-square tests were used to assess relationships between categorical variables, while the Mann–Whitney U test was applied for intergroup comparisons. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.Results: Fifth-year students demonstrated significantly higher accuracy in clinically relevant and decision-critical areas, including implant positioning distances, prosthetic components, and immediate loading protocols.Conclusion: Final-year dental students exhibited a higher level of implant-related knowledge compared with fourth-year students. These findings suggest that implant education should be distributed more systematically and progressively throughout the undergraduate dental curriculum.