Abstract
Abstract Background: Stem cell-based therapy for bone regeneration has received atten- tion in medical settings but has not yet been used in clinical practice for treating alveolar bone defects. The objectives of this study were to explore whether peri- odontists had heard about this approach, and if so how, how interested they were to learn about it, which attitudes and behavioral intentions they had related to using stem cell-based grafting, and what they would like to know before using this approach. Methods: Anonymous survey data were collected from 481 members of the American Academy of Periodontology (response rate: 19.41%). Results: Responses showed 35.3% had heard about stem cell-based therapy, mostly from publications (9.6%) and meetings (8.3%); 76.1% wanted to learn about it through in-person continuing education (CE) courses, 68.6% in online CE courses, and 57.1% from manuals; 73% considered this approach promising; and 54.9% preferred it to traditional approaches. It was important to them that it would result in more bone volume (93%), better bone quality (90.4%), and acceler- ated healing (83.2%). Also, 60.1% considered it likely/very likely that they would adopt this approach, 54% that patients would prefer it, and 62.1% that it would benefit their practice. When asked what they would like to know about this approach, information about short- and long-term outcomes, cost, and logistical considerations were most frequently named. Conclusions: These findings provide the basis to develop educational interven- tions for periodontists about this novel approach and inform future research activities aimed to translate this approach to clinical practice.