Prospective clinical implementation of optional implant treatment into pregraduate dental education—mini implants for retention and support of mandibular overdentures

BACKGROUND: The primary aim of the study was to evaluate mini implant (MDI) survival, prosthodontic maintenance, and patient-reported outcome measures after conducting an optional pregraduate academic course on patients with mandibular edentulism including fabrication of overdentures and MDI planning and placement as well as chair-side incorporation of the respective restauration. In a prospective clinical study, 20 patients received 80 MDIs that were restored with mandibular overdentures. All treatment steps including placement of 40 MDIs were conducted by undergraduate students under strict guidance of a consultant. Next to students’ perceptions after participation, survival of MDIs, and prosthodontic maintenance, patients’ perceptions as well as peri-implant parameters were assessed after 4 weeks and 3 and 12 months. RESULTS: Three MDIs fractured (two during insertion and one after 3 months; total survival 96.25%). Two overdentures fractured and a total of 23 cases of minor prosthodontic maintenance were required. Over time, patients’ satisfaction significantly increased. Besides, questionnaires showed a high rate of students’ positive perception and high self-confidence to include MDI therapy into own practice. CONCLUSIONS: The results are in accordance to those reported by postgraduate dentists. In accordance, therapy with MDI-retained mandibular overdentures seems to be feasible and successful at pregraduate level if the students receive guidance.