Zayan Tariq
Research Mentor: Hsiao Hsin Sung
Mentor Department: UMSOD, Dentistry
Author(s): Zayan Tariq, Parker Ng, Isabella Park, Khadeja Rizvi, Luke Klahs, Alex Stryk, Pranaya Sripathi, Alison Lock, Hsiao Hsin Sung
Session: Session 3 (11:00 AM – 11:50 AM)
Presentation Type: Poster 30
Abstract
Background: Dental implants are widely regarded as a standard-of-care option for replacing missing teeth, yet implant treatment y is frequently not covered by dental insurance or is only partially covered, creating substantial direct costs as well as indirect burdens related to travel, time, and multiple appointments. Because price benchmarks vary widely, academic dental centers may function as access points for patients seeking specialty implant care perceived as more affordable. As demand increases, implant placement and restoration in academic settings are increasingly delivered across multiple disciplines. This study aimed to characterize the implant care population at an educational institution and identify factors associated with access, financial burden, and peri-implant management. Method: We conducted a 5-year retrospective analysis (2020–2025) of implant cases at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry (UMSOD), with IRB approval (HUM00247644). Treatment timelines, procedure codes, appointment counts, and patient demographics were extracted from clinical records. Pearson chi-square tests and multinomial logistic regression were used, considering a significant p-value <0.05. Result: From 2020–2025, UMSOD served 3,150 patients who underwent 7,238 implant placements. Annual procedure volume increased from 702 cases in 2020 to 1,543 in 2025 (+120%). Growth was statistically significant and consistent. Care was concentrated in older adults, with ages 60–79 accounting for 62.2% of procedures, and age strongly associated with procedure patterns (p < 0.001). Over time, the population shifted younger as the proportion aged 70–89 declined from 50.4% (2020) to 34.9% (2025) (p < 0.001). The patient population was predominantly male (1,715; 54.5%) compared with female (1,432; 45.5%). Greater travel distance was associated with lower insurance utilization and a higher patient-paid share; insurance share decreased by 4.8 percentage points per 10 miles traveled (p < 0.001). Antibiotics were prescribed to 1,080 patients (34.3%). Antibiotic prescribing rates differed by specialty (p < 0.001). Conclusion: In our educational Institution, older adults comprised the largest treatment population and the implant placement rate shifted substantially across specialties over time. A greater travel distance was associated with reduced insurance utilization and increased reliance on patient payment, suggesting that some long-distance patients may seek UMSOD care for affordability despite the travel burden. Antibiotic prescribing rates and antibiotic selection differed significantly by specialty, indicating a need for more consistent peri-implant prescribing guidance and/or protocol.
