Knowledge, attitude, and awareness regarding dental implants among patients visiting a university hospital and its teaching districts

Abstract

Introduction: Dental implants are considered one of the best treatment options for completely or partially edentulous patients. But due to lack of knowledge and education many patients especially in the region of underdeveloped or developing countries do not opt for this. In current study the knowledge, attitude and awareness about dental implants was studied in a referral center and its outreach centers in Nepal. Purpose: To determine the status of knowledge, attitude and awareness about dental implants in a tertiary care hospital and its outreach centers. Materials and Methods: 192 patients were asked about dental implants using a standard questionnaire. Their response were recorded and analyzed statistically. Results: Among the respondents 52.6% were aware of implant therapy, however in specific knowledge only 24.5% could attribute the jaw as site for implant placement. It was also found that rather than dental professionals (17.7%), friends and acquaintances (30.2%) play a role in awareness. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study limited knowledge and awareness about dental implants was noticed and role of dentists for the information is lacking in our part of world.