Dental Implant Hygiene and Maintenance Protocols: A survey of oral health practitioners in Australia

Abstract

Purpose: Dental implant care and maintenance is of critical importance as implants grow in popularity as a tooth replacement option. The purpose of this study was to investigate the implant-related training and clinical practices of oral health practitioners (OHPs) in Australia regarding oral hygiene instructions (OHI) and maintenance protocols, and to better understand their role in providing peri-implant services. Methods: A 42-item web-based survey was forwarded to the members of the Dental Hygienists Association of Australia and the Australian Dental and Oral Health Therapists’ Association. Survey items included participant’s demographics, types of peri-implant services provided in the w..