Since dental implants are gaining popularity, many people are learning more and more about them every day. Dentists, too, are training and developing their skills in this area to meet the growing demand for professionals who can effectively perform the procedure. You can enroll in implantology courses to increase your skill set as a dental professional and explore the world of dental implants. But a question arises: Is implantology a specialty? Learn all about it in this blog!
What is Implantology?
Implantology, in simple terms, is a branch of dentistry that focuses on dental implants. Implants are restorations permanently placed in the jaw to replace missing teeth. They are revolutionary tooth replacements that promote dental bone growth and more benefits. In short, implantology is dedicated to the process and everything related to dental implants.
What One Needs to Be a Dental Implant Specialist
A general dentist has completed four years of graduate dentistry schooling with a Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. They can also go into different specialties, be it orthodontics, periodontics, etc. While there is no technical education, especially to become an implant specialist, you can always enroll in training programs and implantology courses. A dental professional, irrespective of their specialty, cannot just decide to offer implant restoration procedures one day — you need special knowledge, training, qualification, and license to be eligible to do so.
An implantologist generally comes under the category of a prosthodontist, a professional who specializes in tooth replacement and restoration. They can continue their education by studying to gain specialization in dental implants for a year or two after earning their dental degree.
Apart from being a trained and licensed professional, here is what one needs in order to be a dental implant specialist:
- 300 hours of implant dentistry education or a relevant degree from oral, periodontal, or prosthodontics programs.
- Experience in performing surgical procedures required for dental implants.
- Proficiency in three types of dental implant cases
- Qualification by passing written as well as oral implant dentistry exams.
Choosing an Implant Specialist
While implant specialists have the training and skill set to perform the procedure, it is important to do your own research. Many general dentists, oral surgeons, and other dental professionals also have expertise in this field, and you can explore who is qualified to perform dental implant surgery.
Some implantologists have more experience and better qualifications than general dentists because they perform this procedure all day long. It is always safer to go for a qualified professional! Therefore, always interrogate them regarding their experience, qualifications, and any other concerns you may have. It is a huge plus if they have significant years of experience and have completed the right implantology courses.
Conclusion
A focus on dental implants is what implantology explores, and a dental professional requires additional education as well as training to be qualified to perform the procedure. Implantology is a special branch of dentistry, and not everyone can perform this procedure!
At iHDS, we offer multiple implantology courses to shape you into a qualified professional. Talk to us now at (713) 589 9603 or give us a visit at 4548 Bissonnet St, Ste. 210, Bellaire, Texas 77401.
