Do you need help finding a specialist in dental implants? Here you’ll find medical experts at clinics and practices specializing in oral surgery and implantology in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.
When is a dentist allowed to call himself or herself an “implantology specialist”?
The term “implantologist” is not a protected title. In principle, any dentist may perform dental implant procedures.
Since dental implant procedures can be very demanding, the dentist should have completed one or more additional continuing education programs in the field of dental implantology. Many years of experience as an implantologist is also very important in this context.
Dentists and dental specialists in oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral surgery, and orthodontics can specialize in dental implantology.
State dental associations, scientific societies, or recognized institutes offer certified continuing education programs.
The guidelines and requirements for a dentist to call themselves a specialist in dental implantology may vary.
In general, however, a dentist who calls themselves a specialist in oral implants or an implantology expert must demonstrate certified continuing education, skills, and experience.
For example, before officially calling themselves a specialist in dental implantology or an implantology expert, a dentist should have worked primarily as an implantologist for at least three years and performed a minimum number (>200) of dental implant procedures during that time.
Since any dentist is permitted to place implants, you should consider not only your own subjective assessment but also the dentist’s practical experience and continuing education.
Implantology involves the placement of dental implants into the jawbone @ Петр Смагин /AdobeStock
What quality standards and certifications exist in dental implantology?
All dentists, dental specialists, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons working in implantology should hold a certification in implantology.
Professional societies, trade associations, and universities offer a wide range of certifications and training programs for dental professionals.
For example, a dentist can complete continuing education in the field of dental implantology through the following professional societies and associations:
In Germany:
- German Society for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (DGMKG)
- German Society for Dental Implantology (DGZI)
- German Society for Oral Implantology (DGOI)
- German Center for Oral Implantology (DZOI)
- Professional Association of German Oral Surgeons (BDO)
- German Society for Implantology (DGI)
In Switzerland:
- Swiss Dental Association (SSO)
- Swiss Society for Oral Implantology / Société Suisse d'Implantologie Orale (SGI/SSIO)
- Swiss Society for Oral Surgery and Stomatology (SSOS)
- Swiss Society for Reconstructive Dentistry (SSRD)
- Swiss Society for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (SGMKG)
In Austria:
- Austrian Society for Implantology in Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine (ÖGI)
- Austrian Society for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ÖGMKG)
Across Europe and worldwide:
- Federal Association of Dentists Practicing Implantology in Europe / European Association of Dental Implantologists (BDIZ/EDI)
- International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI)
The quality of training in the field of dental implantology is generally high, even though the content and requirements may vary somewhat.
Specialists in oral and maxillofacial surgery as well as specialists in oral surgery need only obtain certification in “Dental Implantology as a Primary Area of Practice.” This is because they have already completed comprehensive surgical training.
Dentists and orthodontists who wish to acquire specialized expertise must pursue further training through a professional society or association.
Alternatively, they can complete a master’s degree program at a university or college. Implant manufacturers and private institutes or practices also offer continuing education opportunities.
The following certifications are the most important and highest qualifications in the field of dental implantology:
- “Specialist in Implantology” (DGZI)
- “Certified Expert in Implantology” (DGOI)
- “Fellow, Master, or Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists” (ICOI)
- “Master of Science in Implantology”
- “Master of Science in Oral Surgery/Oral Implantology”
- Other certifications in the field of dental implantology include:
- Certificate of Advanced Training in Oral Implantology (SSO)
- Specialization in Implantology (DGMKG)
- Specialization in Implantology (BDIZ/EDI)
When evaluating an implantologist’s qualifications, make sure that the certification was issued by a recognized scientific professional association @ WavebreakMediaMicro /AdobeStock
What requirements must a dentist meet to obtain these certifications?
“Specialist in Implantology” (DGZI):
The “Specialist in Implantology” certification is awarded by the German Society for Dental Implantology (DGZI). The training program lasts two years.
To obtain this certification, a dentist must meet the following requirements, among others:
- 5 years of experience in implantology
- A detailed record of at least 400 implant placements
- Documentation of 12 implant placements performed independently and cases with prosthetic restorations
“Certified Expert in Implantology” (DGOI):
A dentist receives the “Certified Expert in Implantology” certification after completing a two-year training program. This certification is awarded by the German Society for Oral Implantology (DGOI).
To obtain this certification, a dentist must meet the following requirements, among others:
- 4 years of experience in implantology
- A record of at least 200 implants placed or 70 jaws treated with implants, with corresponding documentation
- 20 of these cases must be documented in detail for the examination
“Specialization in Implantology” (BdiZ/EDI):
The “Specialization in Implantology” certification is awarded by the BdiZ/EDI. The duration of training varies by individual.
To obtain this certification, a dentist must meet the following requirements, among others:
- 3 years of experience in implantology
- A detailed list of at least 200 implant placements
- Documentation of 70 implant placements performed independently and cases with prosthetic restorations
- At least 100 hours of continuing education
- Passing an oral exam before a committee
The title is valid for 5 years.
“Fellow, Master, or Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists” (ICOI):
To become an ICOI “Fellow,” the dentist must present 20 complete cases and provide proof of 100 hours of continuing education in implantology. The dentist must also submit a letter of recommendation from a certified ICOI member.
To become an ICOI “Master,” in addition to the letter of recommendation, one must have 80 successfully completed cases that are at least 2 years old. Proof of 150 hours of continuing education is also required. Furthermore, one must give at least 2 poster presentations at ICOI congresses.
The “Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists” is the highest international distinction in the field of dental implantology.
To obtain this certification, the dentist must:
- Demonstrate several years of experience in implantology
- Document 120 successful implant restorations that are at least 3 years old
- Provide proof of 250 hours of continuing education
- Be the author of scientific articles or have delivered several scientific lectures or poster presentations at international ICOI congresses
“Master of Science in Implantology”:
After completing a university program lasting 5 semesters, a dentist receives the:
“Master of Science in Implantology” or
“Master of Science in Oral Surgery / Oral Implantology”
The requirements for obtaining this degree are based on the standard “Bologna criteria,” but may vary depending on the university offering the program. In addition to lectures, practical training, and case presentations, the program requires the completion of a scientific master’s thesis (title: MSc), similar to that of a doctoral degree (Dr. med. dent.).
Certificate of Continuing Education (WBA) in Oral Implantology (SSO):
The WBA certification in oral implantology is awarded by the Swiss Dental Association (SSO).
To obtain this certificate of continuing education, a dentist must, among other things, meet the following requirements:
- Federal State Examination in Dentistry or an equivalent final examination in dentistry recognized in Switzerland
- Membership in the SSO
- At least three years of specialized continuing education in surgery and prosthodontics
- List and documentation of at least 100 implants placed and/or reconstructed
