Page 5 - Bulletin Vol 26 No 3 - Sept. - Dec. 2021 - FINAL 3 version (1)

Message from Donald Hills, DDS

Resolution Evolution

I sit on the NYSDA Council on Dental Practice (CDP). An important council, CDP
as the name suggests, guides the Dental Society on matters related to practicing
dentistry. Two years ago, the council chair asked us to develop resolutions to
bring to the NYSDA House. Eager to learn the process, and with help from Drs.
Michael Shreck and Robert Peskin, I developed a national implant registry
resolution. As an academic exercise, I will share its journey from my kitchen
table all the way to the floor of the ADA House of Delegates in Las Vegas this
past October.

Background Statement
There are many instances where knowing the manufacturer of a previously placed endosseous implant
(including type and size) would be invaluable information for a subsequently treating dentist. New
patients can present to dental practices with loose, failed, or failing implant prostheses where good
integration of the implant exists. In addition, there are times when an existing fixed partial denture (FPD)
needs to be modified or expanded by the placement of additional fixtures. Attempting to identify a
particular implant can be a daunting (and perhaps even embarrassing) undertaking especially with the vast
assortment of implants that historically have been made available to the marketplace (some of which may
no longer be available). Relying solely on a radiograph or fixture mount is oftentimes insufficient.
However, being able to access the details about an existing implant(s) would undoubtedly facilitate such
treatment.

A national registry of all implant placements will benefit dentists and patients alike. The registry can track
patients, implant manufacturer, type, size, and location and be a valuable resource for the profession. In
addition, establishing potential trends such as implant failure associated with a given manufacturer or
implant type, would provide useful data for analysis. Such a data base will improve care well into the
future. Accordingly, the following resolution is submitted for consideration:

Resolved, that the New York State Dental Association (NYSDA) House of Delegates transmit the following
resolution to the 2021 ADA House of Delegates for its consideration:
Resolved, that an appropriate agency of the American Dental Association (ADA) investigate
the establishment of a dental endosseous implant registry; and be it further

Resolved, that the proposed registry maintain data of placed implants by patient, date of
placement, implant manufacturer, type, size, and intraoral location; and be it further
Resolved, that the proposed data base be accessible by dentists only and for the express
purpose of providing information that can be assistance to improve patient care; and be it
further

Resolved, that a report with any recommendations be presented to the 2022 ADA House of
Delegates.

Nassau County Dental Society ⬧ (516) 227-1112 | 5