Sociodemographic Factors and Implant Consideration by Patients Attending Removable Prosthodontics Clinics
Rasha A. Alamoush, Wijdan R. Elmanaseer, Yasmine W. Matar, Salah Al-Omoush, Julian D. Satterthwaite
Abstract
Objective . This study is aimed at investigating the treatment options offered to and chosen by patients attending a student prosthodontics clinic and to investigate the effect of the sociodemographic background of participants on implant consideration. Material and Methods . A cross‐sectional descriptive study was conducted on 200 participants including their socioeconomic background, treatment options presented, treatment preferences, and implant consideration. Bivariate tests (unpaired t ‐test, chi‐square, and Mann–Whitney test) and Spearman correlation were used for comparison of different socioeconomic groups according to treatment preferences (implant consideration versus conventional removable prosthesis). Results . Treatment options presented by dental students include 63.5% complete denture, 32% implants/removable dentures, and partial denture 4.5%. Conventional removable prostheses were mostly chosen due to low income. Implants were only considered by 26% of participants. Age and implant consideration had a significant negative correlation. No significant difference in gender and residency area on implant consideration was found. The chi‐square test showed a significant difference between implant consideration and conventional removable prostheses in the various occupation groups. Conclusions . Low income is the main factor prohibiting patients from considering dental implants. Age and educational level may play a considerable role in considering dental implants. There should be more emphasis on dental students’ treatment planning education to include and explain dental implants as a treatment option for their patients in the prosthodontics clinic.