Author: Professor Cemal Ucer (BDS, MSc, PhD, Oral Surgeon, ITI Fellow.
We are approaching the time of year when many people take stock and plan for the future. The end of one year and beginning of the next is an opportunity to reflect on everything already achieved and set goals for the months ahead in order to maintain momentum of growth. For dental professionals, this will often involve a review of their Personal Development Plan (PDP) to consult long-term objectives and determine the next steps in meeting these. In a rapidly evolving field like dental implantology, it is particularly important to regularly update your knowledge and skills to ensure you remain abreast of the latest evidence-based techniques.
Meeting patient expectations
Patient expectations tend to be high for those undergoing any type of dentistry. However, the stakes may be greater for many patients seeking dental implants due to the increased investment of time and money required for success, as well as a reduced understanding of the procedures involved compared to more routine dentistry. The literature confirms that patients expect an improvement in their dental function and aesthetics as a direct result of implants. Managing these expectations is, therefore, crucial to enhancing patient satisfaction.[i]
It goes without saying that clinicians must have the clinical knowledge and capabilities to deliver high-quality treatment too. This necessitates ongoing skill development, highlighting the importance of life-long learning for all members of the dental implant team. In many cases, professional training courses will also explore patient management strategies and other soft skills, further helping clinicians to more closely align patient expectations with likely outcomes for optimised satisfaction.
Continuing technological revolution
Another area that practitioners must factor into their ongoing education is keeping up-to-date with new technology in the field. The advent, development and refinement of various solutions from CBCT machines to 3D printers have revolutionised the implant workflow. As such, digital dentistry has been linked to faster and more accurate treatment outcomes, as well as an improved oral health-related quality of life for patients.[ii] There is also evidence that digital solutions can elevate professional job satisfaction and broader career prospects.[iii]
A comprehensive understanding of the digital technologies available will be increasingly important for clinicians in the months and years to come. Digital capabilities are constantly expanding and affording new possibilities for patient care, so education in the field is crucial to ensure that professionals can prepare for the future.
Both training and ongoing support in the field will also be important for streamlined workflows and reduced stress among professionals as they implement digital solutions.[iv] This should cover how to use the equipment, as well as how to maintain it in order to protect the practice’s investment and optimise product life. It is also vital to ensure that this training is tailored to the implant workflow, ensuring that all appropriate members of the dental team can positively contribute to the patient experience.
Business growth and sustainability
In addition to benefiting you and your patients, ongoing training and education also supports the business as a whole. There is a large body of evidence to show that individual training and career development positively influence company performance.[v] The combination of improved staff skills, productivity and job satisfaction often leads to enhanced customer service, as well as increased staff retention.[vi]
This last point is particularly topical in dentistry right now, with practices across the UK facing considerable recruitment challenges. Strong career progression opportunities have been identified as a leading factor in retaining staff.[vii] Consequently, principals should consider opening up training opportunities in the field for colleagues to add even greater value to the business.
Trusted training
Regardless of your implant experience to date or your future aspirations, the quality and type of training you undergo will have a significant impact on your career. Finding a provider that you trust to present expert instructors, ongoing mentorship and a diverse learning programme will be key.
The ICE Postgraduate Dental Institute & Hospital in Salford is the educational location of choice for many clinicians every year. With cutting-edge digital facilities, a combination of hands-on and theoretical tuition, and a teaching staff that consists of some of the most experienced implant clinicians in the country, it offers a second-to-none learning opportunity for professionals. The MSc in Dental Implantology is an ideal place to start for those building the foundations of a prosperous implant career, led by specialist oral surgeon, Professor Cemal Ucer.
Shaping your success
If you have chosen to shape a career in implantology, the training and ongoing education you seek will be vital for your success. A broad range of skills will need to be developed in clinical techniques, digital workflow and more, ensuring you have the confidence to deliver exceptional patient care. Only then will you be able to thrive for years to come.
Please contact Professor Ucer at ucer@icedental.institute or Mel Hay at mel@mdic.co
01612 371842
[i] Yao J, Tang H, Gao XL, McGrath C, Mattheos N. Patients’ expectations to dental implant: a systematic review of the literature. Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2014 Oct 29;12:153. doi: 10.1186/s12955-014-0153-9. PMID: 25358599; PMCID: PMC4221691.
[ii] Schierz O, Hirsch C, Krey KF, Ganss C, Kämmerer PW, Schlenz MA. DIGITAL DENTISTRY AND ITS IMPACT ON ORAL HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE. J Evid Based Dent Pract. 2024 Jan;24(1S):101946. doi: 10.1016/j.jebdp.2023.101946. Epub 2023 Oct 15. PMID: 38401951.
[iii] Pasupuleti M, Salwaji S, Dantuluri M, Raju M, Ramaraju A, Marrapodi M, Cicciù M, Minervini G. Newer Technological Advances: A Step Towards Better Dental Care: A systematic review . Open Dent J, 2024; 18: e18742106320205. http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/0118742106320205240819093345
[iv] Bernburg M, Gebhardt JS, Groneberg DA, Mache S. Impact of Digitalization in Dentistry on Technostress, Mental Health, and Job Satisfaction: A Quantitative Study. Healthcare (Basel). 2025 Jan 3;13(1):72. doi: 10.3390/healthcare13010072. PMID: 39791679; PMCID: PMC11719768.
[v] Fabian, Natanael & Kirani, Agnes & Dewi, Puja & Gracia, Ribka & Loei, Jonathan & Muyandi, Muhammad & Kalfin,. (2024). The Effect of Training and Career Development on Company Performance: A Systematic Literature Review. International Journal of Humanities, Law, and Politics. 2. 19-25. 10.46336/ijhlp.v2i1.57.
[vi] Altaf A, Alam F, Zafar H. (2025). The Impact of Training on Employee Retention: An Empirical Research on Private Sector. Dialogue Social Science Review (DSSR), 3(4), 29–59. Retrieved from https://thedssr.com/index.php/2/article/view/456
[vii] Stelling H, Brown M, Burford B, Blaylock P, Vance G. Valuing and retaining the dental workforce: a mixed-methods exploration of workforce sustainability in the North East of England. BMC Health Serv Res. 2025 May 10;25(1):672. doi: 10.1186/s12913-025-12803-9. PMID: 40346544; PMCID: PMC12065166.
