Status report on dental implantology in Switzerland in 2006. A cross-sectional survey

PURPOSE: To present results of a survey on the status of implantology in Switzerland in 2006. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to all SSO (Swiss Dental Society) members asking for personal (anonymous) background data and their implantology concepts. Specific questions dealt with level of recognition of implants, use of implants, superstructures, success and failure rates, recall and training. RESULTS: A total of 1568 (47.3%) of the 3315 questionnaires were returned. Straumann, Nobel Biocare, 3i, SPI and Frialit were the most commonly used implant systems in Switzerland. Almost two-thirds (63.8%) of the dentists placed more than 20 implants per year. Long-term prognosis was the crucial factor, whereas material costs played a minor role. The edentulous mandible was the indication of choice, whereas the edentulous maxilla applied less. Almost every dentist active in implantology followed continuing educations programs in the field. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to a study undertaken 12 years ago, the number of dentists engaged in implantology doubled, meaning at least one-third of non-hospital dentists in Switzerland were involved in dental implantology. Overall, willingness to extend the therapeutic range has greatly increased.