Common practices of dental implant maintenance among dental hygienists working in the Netherlands – A survey

Anouk W.M. Loeffen, Bregje W.M. Van Swaaij, Michael Saminsky, Dagmar Else Slot*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Background: Dental implant maintenance is crucial to obtain and maintain a healthy peri-implant situation. Although it is part of a dental hygienists (DH) scope of practice, the knowledge and common practices among DHs in the Netherlands are unclear. Materials and Methods: A web-based survey was distributed by the Dutch Association of DHs, by spreading survey QR codes and snowballing. The role of the different DH curricula 2- or 3-year diploma and a 4-year bachelor's degree is evaluated. Results: In total, 165 (diploma: 73, bachelor: 92) DHs responded. Peri-implant diseases were well known (98%), indices and clinical symptoms were used to assess peri-implant tissues. A periodontal probe (97%) was used and bone loss was evaluated on radiographs (89%). Treatment was performed supra- and subgingivally (69%), mostly by titanium (45%) or plastic hand instruments (42%). Ultrasonic (52%) and air-abrasive (52%) devices were often used. The recall interval for maintenance was based on a risk-adjusted protocol (70%). DHs with a bachelor's received significantly more training compared to DHs with a diploma during primary education (p < 0.001). Diploma DHs mainly obtained their knowledge from continuing education (p = 0.04). In general, there was no significant difference in knowledge or common practices. Conclusions: The primary education of DHs with a 2- or 3-year diploma and a 4-year bachelor's varies. Due to the continuing education of diploma DHs, knowledge and common practices generally do not differ. Most DHs in the Netherlands perform implant maintenance. A periodontal probe and radiographs are used for examination. Instrumentation is performed supra- and subgingivally, usually with titanium or plastic hand instruments. The recall interval is based on a patient's risk assessment.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)14-25
Number of pages12
JournalInternational Journal of Dental Hygiene
Volume23
Issue number1
Early online date28 Jul 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2025

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 The Author(s). International Journal of Dental Hygiene published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Keywords

  • dental hygienists
  • dental implants
  • education
  • survey

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