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Careers


IMPLANTS A FUTURE IN


Implant dentistry has become an important feature of primary dental care. Dr Simon Wrightof the Association of Dental Implantology looks at the opportunities available


informed consent to contend with. As dentistry becomes more and more litigious, and treatments more complicated, it can leave the patient as confused as a cow on Astroturf. And that is just the patient. What about you, the young


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enthusiastic dentist? Not only do you need to worry about your patients, you also have a career to plan which brings with it a further array of confusing options. All of a sudden the cow looks all-knowing, and you start to look out of the window at the rolling fields surrounding your student bedsit, day-dreaming of driving the latest Massey Ferguson tractor, thinking: “stuff it, I’ll become a farmer!” However, before you rush out to buy the latest pair of designer Wellingtons, rest assured that things are not that bad. The Dental Foundation Training programme is an excellent, well organised, structured year that allows you to experience many career opportunities. By the end of it you are more equipped to make informed decisions about the rest of your life and the thought of making an abrupt career change into farming should be a distant memory.


Necessary skills Implant dentistry is certainly one career option that offers both challenge and reward to a young dentist. It can produce great results for the patient and dentist and can also be financially beneficial. But how do you know if it is for you? The skills and qualities needed for implantology include:


 Basic surgical experience  In-depth understanding of the periodontal tissues  In-depth understanding of medical histories  Commitment to postgraduate and on-going education  Patience  Empathy


 Thorough knowledge of all treatment options and the ability to explain these in an impartial, objective manner


PTIONS, options, options – that is all we dentists seem to hear about. Not only must we ensure our patients are aware of all the options, but also the advantages and disadvantages of all the relevant treatment modalities. And then there is the process of


 Effective team participation/management  Forward planning and organisation  Commitment  Confidence in own ability  Ability to manage patient expectation.


Even if your skill set does not naturally lead you towards dental implants, it is important that you know the essential principles. That way you can properly advise your patient and guide them through the consent process. For dentists there are three broad options to consider when it comes to implant dentistry: recognise and refer all implant cases; recognise and refer the surgical phase but restore implants that have been placed by a trained surgeon; or undertake both the surgical and restorative components. Placing dental implants is a surgical procedure which should only be carried out by a suitably trained dentist. Not all dentists who want to offer implants have to place them and those who are not comfortable with the idea of doing the surgery can consider teaming up with a suitably trained partner who is.


Getting started The ADI (Association of Dental Implantology) can simplify the options and guide you through the postgraduate requirements that are needed for you to undertake implant work. Since its formation in 1987, the ADI has been dedicated to providing ongoing postgraduate education to the dental profession in order to extend awareness of dental implant treatment as an option for improving patient oral health. Its range of educational opportunities is varied, from specialised implant journals to masterclasses, evening study clubs to international congresses. Problems can be discussed on a secure clinical forum and increasingly important implant audit facilities (Implant Logbook) freely accessed. Members can also access a membership directory, a monthly ADI e- update and will receive a certificate of membership. The guidance Training Standards in Implant Dentistry


2008 from the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) and the Royal College of Surgeons of England sets out the requirements that are needed to undertake implant work. It states that the clinician must have a detailed knowledge and understanding of dental implants, be mentored, have the appropriate indemnity and keep a log of cases and


PHOTOS: DR SIMON WRIGHT


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