Investigation on the application of digital guide templates guided dental implantation in China

The aim of this survey is to investigate the application of digital guide templates (DGTs) across China, and the views and attitudes of oral health professionals toward them.

This survey was prepared, distributed, and collected by WJX. Chinese oral health professionals were invited to participate in it. The basic information of respondents, the application of DGTs, and the views and attitudes toward their status quo and development were statistically described. Chi-square test was used to evaluate the correlation between the basic information of respondents and the application of DGTs as well as the views and attitudes toward them.

A total of 276 questionnaires were collected, of which 273 were identified as valid. 269 (98.5%) respondents were dental clinical workers, 204 (74.7%) were dental clinical implant workers, and 152 (55.7%) had been engaged in the implant industry for more than five years. The chi-square test showed that working years were significantly correlated with the half-guided, tooth-supported, and mucosa-supported DGTs (P < 0.05); and professional backgrounds and working years presented significant differences in the views and attitudes toward the status quo and development of DGTs (P < 0.05). The questionnaires also made a preliminary investigation and evaluation on the factors influencing accuracy, indications, doctors’ recommendations and relevant training.

Most respondents held a positive attitude toward the accuracy and development of DGTs. This survey can point out the direction for the improvement of DGTs, and provide a reference for the study of factors affecting implant accuracy, the establishment of a training system, and the understanding of clinicians’ current views on DGTs.