Job File: Implantologist

In the long list of dental specialties, implantology is a fascinating discipline. It focuses on the placement of implants – the name implies – enabling the reconstruction of missing or abîmées teeth, in order to restore smiling and chewing. While the practice is subject to the same studies as those of a dental surgeon, it requires additional training and very specific skills, which we'll detail in this article.

What is an implantologist?

The implantologist is the dental surgeon spécialist in the placement and management of dental implants. Dental implants are medical devices surgically inserted into the jawbone to replace missing teeth and support dental prostheses such as crowns, bridges or dentures. Complementing the actions of the dental surgeon, implantologists play a crucial role in restoring dental function and aesthetics.

Rôle and responsibilities of the implantologist

They are many and varied. The métier d’implantologueis complex and its interventions s’étalent on several étapes such as:

• L’évaluation and diagnosis

The implantologist begins by évaluing the patient's oral éstate. This involves thorough clinical examinations and the use of imaging technologies, such as X-rays or computed tomography (CT scans), to assess bone structure and determine the feasibility of operations.

• Treatment planning

After the assessment, the implantologist draws up a personalized treatment plan. This includes selecting the appropriate type of implant, determining the location and developing a surgical strategy. Planning takes into account the patient's specific needs, the quantity and quality of available bone, and aesthetic expectations.

• L’surgical intervention

The specialist performs the surgical procedures required to insert the implants into the jawbone. This requires extreme precision and a mastery of advanced surgical techniques. The procedure may include complementary procedures such as bone grafting or sinus lifts, designed to prepare the implant site by increasing the amount of bone available.

• Post-op follow-up

Post-op follow-up is crucial to ensure implant success. The implantologist monitors the patient's healing, verifies the implant's integration with the bone and manages any complications. Regular follow-up appointments ensure that the implant is stable and functional before the dental prosthesis is placed.

• The fitting of the dental prosthesis

Once the implant has been successfully integrated, the implantologist collaborates with a prosthetist to design and fit the dental prosthesis (crown, bridge or denture). This final step aims to restore the patient's masticatory function and smile aesthetics.

• Management of complications

The implantologist must be prepared to manage various complications that may arise before, during or after implant placement. These may include infection, intracranial bleeding or damage to surrounding structures. The ability to diagnose early and intervene effectively is essential to minimize risk and ensure positive outcomes.

• Patient education and counseling

The implantologist also plays an educational role, informing patients about the care and maintenance of dental implants. He provides advice on oral hygiene, eating habits and disease prevention measures. This follow-up helps prolong the life of implants and maintain the patient's overall oral health.

• Interdisciplinary collaboration

Finally, the implantologist often works in collaboration with other dental health professionals, such as periodontists, orthodontists or dental technicians. This interdisciplinary collaboration is essential to provide comprehensive care, particularly in complex cases.

Studies to become an implantologist

Before applying for a job offer implantologist, the academic path is long and demanding. What's more, it can be tricky to find one's way around, so winding are the paths that lead from Rome to implantology. To high school students and anyone else wondering how to become an implantologist: a few pointers to get you started.

Études et diplômes requis

To become an implantologist, you must first and foremost obtain a bachelor's degree in a scientific field, as the coming years will require a solid grounding in subjects such as science or biology.

After obtaining this first diploma, the student will have to follow an undergraduate course consisting of one year of the Parcours Accès Santé Spécifique (PASS) or Licence Accès Santé (L.AS), two years of study in odontological sciences, followed by two years of advanced training in odontological sciences. They can also pursue these studies abroad, at faculties in the European Union.

Finally, the future implantologist will complete his or her training through the internship system or private training. He will have the choice between a short cycle of one year or a long cycle of 3 à 4 years.

After obtaining his diploma as a Doctor of Dental Surgery, the old student will have to continue his university studies by specializing in implantology. To do so, he or she will have to complete a one-year preparatory course, culminating in a Certificate of Advanced Study and Research in Oral Implantology (CERAIO);The final two years were devoted to this discipline, culminating in the Diplôme Universitaire d’Implantologie Orale et Biomécanique (DU. IOBM). Once this qualification has been obtained, the student is officially an implantologist. They can begin their practice or decide to pursue a Certificate in Anatomy, Implant Surgery and Advanced Surgical Techniques (CACITA), which will further enhance their status.

The skills needed to be a good implantologist

In order to provide quality care and avoid errors with disastrous consequences for their patients, implantologists must master numerous technical and human skills, such as: 

Technical skills

• Anatomical and Physiological Knowledge

• • Anatomy of the oral cavity: understanding the bony structures, nerves, blood vessels and soft tissues of the mouth.
  • Bone physiology: knowledge of bone healing and osteointegration processes.

• Surgical skills

• • Piercing and drilling techniques: mastery of drilling techniques to create a ready site for the implant.
  • Soft tissue management: soft tissue manipulation to avoid complications and ensure optimal esthetics.
  • Hard bone grafting procedures: skills in bone graft preparation and implantation, as well as in the use of bone substitute materials.

• Utilization of Advanced Technologies

• 3D imaging and surgical planning: skills in interpreting 3D scans (such as CT) and using planning software.
• Surgical guides: design and use of customized surgical guides for precise implantation.
• Artificial intelligence: this is a recent development, but one that is investing massively in the healthcare sector (see our blog post on the impact of artificial intelligence in the healthcare sector). The implantologist has intelligent tools at his disposal to support his work and his qualities.

Human skills

• Communication

• • Communication with patients : the implantologist must be able to clearly explain procedures, risks, benefits and post-operative care to patients and their families.
  • Communication with patients : the implantologist must be able to clearly explain procedures, risks, benefits and post-operative care to patients and their families.
  • Interprofessional communication : he/she must collaborate effectively with other health professionals, such as general dentists, periodontists, dental technicians and dental assistants, to ensure comprehensive, coordinated patient care.