Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Warren 1201, Boston, MA 02114, USA. Electronic address: [Email]
Mandibular all-on-4 implant reconstruction techniques are less complex than maxillary but more complex than routine dental implant surgery, requiring advanced technical skills, deeper understanding of prosthodontic principles, and more complex surgical planning. Surgical simulation may assist experienced surgeons seeking to acquire new skills through increased planning ability, improved intraspecialty communication, and enhanced technical competence. Achieving competence is different for the trainee devoted to the learning process and the practicing surgeon with limited time and balancing other roles and responsibilities. Well-constructed continuing education incorporating simulation, 3-dimensional printed models, and computer-assisted planning may offer the most efficient path to competence.
