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Zoe Wray, studying for a Masters degree in implant dentistry


• What inspired you to take up implant dentistry? I have always had an interest in oral surgery having worked as a maxillofacial SHO for two years after my vocational training. Implantology seemed a natural progression. I also realised that other methods of replacing missing teeth were outdated by implants, and that in most cases the disadvantages of these methods far outweigh the advantages.


Simple case: Implant placement with no grafting


outcomes. It further states that you, the clinician, should develop systematically, ensuring competency in the more straightforward cases, before going on to treat the more complex patients. The General Dental Council has confirmed that it will refer to these guidelines when assessing complaints against dentists who are accused of practising implant dentistry beyond their competence. It is clear that formal training is needed to fulfil these


requirements. There are many different and excellent courses available to you. These include privately and commercially run courses, online courses such as Ark, diplomas at university and the Royal College of Surgeons, and at MSc level. A good approach to implant dentistry is to firstly


Complex case: Block grafting and bilateral sinus lift, with particulate xenograft - BIOS (cow bone)


ensure that you fulfil the desirable qualities, then try to get as much exposure and experience as you can. Implantologists adore being observed and welcome young dentists who want to get involved with treatment planning, observing the surgery and restorative stages, and being actively involved in the very important maintenance phase. Once you have started gaining experience and understanding, enrol on a private course (the commercial implant companies or the ADI can help you decide which is best for you), then as you progress undertake formal qualifications from a university or Royal College. This of course can be done alongside your generalist responsibilities and other postgraduate qualifications. If implant dentistry is suited to you and you are willing


to commit to the ongoing education and approach it in a structured well-organised manner, slowly building up your competence, experience, formal knowledge and skill base, all under the supervision of a qualified mentor, then the opportunities are vast. These include professional respect, patient satisfaction, remuneration, and personal fulfilment. Soon you will no longer look out of the window of your


fantastic implant surgery and contemplate becoming a farmer. You will look at cows in the field not for their milk, but for their femur bone graft material that is used to support your implants.


Dr Simon Wright BDS MSc PGCTLCP PGDip Dental Implantology FHEA is principal partner with Glencairn Practice Group, senior lecturer University Salford Dental Implantology, Director of Education at the ADI and chairman of the Local Engagement Network for Wirral PCT


• Did you find the training a challenge? Yes. Finding training courses that are worthwhile undertaking is difficult. There was not a network of mentors available when I trained, which there is now.


The MSc in implantology has been very useful, providing me with the skills to assess current advances in the field. My training will be on-going. There will always be advances in implant dentistry and it will always be necessary to be aware of these and put them into practice.


• What did you enjoy most about it? I enjoy meeting colleagues, being able to discuss cases with them and how they implement processes, policies and procedures in their practices and also finding out and evaluating the evidence behind my everyday implantology work. I hadn’t realised that there are very limited studies in the field and there is a lack of good quality studies to underpin our work.


• What did you find most surprising? I was surprised at the lack of formal training available, especially recognised hands-on courses.


• Do you see any downsides to the practice of implant dentistry? Yes, as I’ve mentioned before there are issues surrounding training. Dentists can undertake implant dentistry with very little extra training and there is limited support available. I think that implantology is all about treatment planning. Anyone can place an implant, that’s the easy part, but if the case is not treatment planned correctly then big mistakes can be made.


• What attributes do you feel are important in implant dentistry?


I think it is important to have good communication skills. It is also beneficial to have a good foundation in restorative dentistry as well as surgical. Being able to treatment plan and build-in contingency measures is also a useful attribute.


• Is there one piece of advice you could give to a dentist considering further training in implant dentistry? I would advise anyone who is interested in following this particular path to research the courses available and make sure you select the right course for you. This might involve having to go on several different courses before you find the one that suits you. The MSc I’m undertaking is not a hands on-course and you benefit from it most if you have already had hands-on experience.


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