Students by Beth Bradley, DentalTownUK student editor

DentalTownUK student editor Beth Bradley

I was fortunate enough to attend the student programme at the Association of Dental Implantology (ADI) conference in Edinburgh this past May. Students aren’t frequently exposed to the clinical aspects of implantology, but are expected by the GDC to inform and advise patients about implants as part of treatment planning for missing teeth. I can feel uncomfortable on clinic if patients ask me about implants and their suitability, so I was eager to find out more.

The day started with a series of discussions about how to get involved in implant dentistry as a career (Dr Aly Virani and implant placement and planning (Dr Pynadath George). This was followed by atraumatic extraction techniques and suturing (Dr Minas Leventis) and, finally, impression taking and choosing the right restoration for a placed implant (Dr Nilesh Parmar).

There was time after the morning session to explore the exhibition hall, which featured stands with intraoral scanners, state-of-the-art CBCT machines and laboratories that combined CBCT images with impressions to create guides that could be used for implant placement.

In the afternoon, we had hands-on workshops of implant placement and suturing techniques, in addition to taking impressions as if a patient had an implant. Overall, the day was well structured and hugely informative.

I believe I’d now be more confident discussing implants with patients, and the program has also inspired me to think about pursuing implantology as a future career path.

Yearly membership for the ADI is free for students, as is entry to the conference’s student programme, if booked early. Members can attend the ADI’s regional study clubs for a nominal fee. I’d highly recommend attending, and am likely to do so in the future!

Thinking about Implantology as a career?

• If you’d like to learn more about implants after graduation, it’s worth following up your referrals to shadow consultations. Many dentists would happily allow you to do this, but you need to give up your time to shadow.
• The GDC has limited guidance regarding competency in implants but suggests showing some form of assessment, whereas the FGDP emphasises gaining a mentor (a person who has placed implants for more than 5 years, placed over 250 units and has a postgrad qualification or more than 70hrs vCPD).
• There are many courses available: Speak to alumni and think about courses outside the UK, too.
• Get good at minor oral surgery: Practice, practice, practice. Suture kits can be bought online and are very reasonable!

Important considerations when discussing implant placement with patients:

• Most implants are placed under LA +/- sedation and are quoted as being less painful than having a tooth extracted
• They can take between 20 minutes to 1.5hrs to place (depending on confidence, competence and complexity)

Important points for treatment planning:

Important points for treatment planning:

• Benefits: Improve confidence; prevent bone loss and maintain gums (Wolff’s law—bone is stimulated under load—is controversial); improved appearance and functionality (improved stability and retention, compared with complete dentures).
• Risks: Failure risks due to systemic conditions, alcohol and smoking, periodontal disease, bruxism/tooth grinding, pregnancy, poor oral health, or medications (bisphosphonates); need regular care because of periodontal conditions associated with implants; potential need for replacement, cost.
• Risks when placing: Bleeding, bruising, pain, swelling, nerve damage, infection, damage to adjacent teeth.