There are many different ways of developing a career in dentistry and creating a legacy that stands the test of time. For some clinicians, this is about transforming lives with the provision of implant treatment that restores function, aesthetics, and quality of life. For maximum success, it’s important to establish solid foundations that will facilitate growth in the years to come.
Talk the talk
Regardless of whether you are currently offering single-unit implants, full-arch rehabilitation, or advanced solutions like zygomatic implants, it’s important to be aware of all the options. Patients need to be informed about their choices, and any suitable treatment solutions should be discussed with them, even if you don’t provide the surgery directly. Effective communication is crucial from the very beginning of the patient journey, because it is the bedrock of a strong dentist-patient relationship, encouraging treatment acceptance and patient satisfaction, as well as enhancing the quality of care delivered.[i]
Achieving this requires a patient-centred approach that involves really listening to and understanding what the patient seeks and then encouraging their active participation in the treatment process through shared decision-making.[ii] Simple, jargon-free language should be used, delivered in a succinct way and at a pace that reflects the patient’s needs. Body language should also be considered to create a comfortable and non-judgemental environment, with positive gestures and mindful facial expressions.
People buy from people
This effective communication should be extended beyond the surgery for the greatest impact. As part of your marketing strategy, it will be important to make sure your existing patients know that you are offering implant placement and restoration. External promotion will also be vital – and an excellent way of attracting new patients to the practice. Consider the platforms your target audience would use most often and make sure you’re visible on each. It doesn’t have to be expensive or overly time consuming – patient emails and social media are good starting points and are completely free. If budget allows, you may also decide to run social media ads, create flyers for the local leisure or golf club, or have an open day for interested patients to find out more about implant treatment.
Whatever you do, it is hugely beneficial to use testimonials from previous patients. These can be collected in the practice, by email, or online, but they should form the foundation of any marketing campaign to build your implant business. Research has shown that reviews have the most influence on purchasing decisions, with almost 70% of consumers looking for testimonials as their primary source of information.[iii] Online reviews have become particularly important for individuals considering health services, with over 40% routinely seeking this feedback.[iv]
Elevating clinical standards
The most important factor in upscaling your implant services is to consistently deliver exceptional clinical care and treatment outcomes. On the day of surgery, your clinical decisions will influence the success of treatment. For example, the surgical technique selected can affect primary stability, especially when working in poor bone density.[v] A growing body of evidence also suggests that guided surgery can lead to more accurate implant placement and high implant success rates.[vi] [vii]
The products utilised also have an impact. Implant diameter and structural resistance have been linked with stability, especially in the posterior regions where masticatory forces are greatest.[viii] In addition, soft tissue augmentation alongside implant placement has been associated with significantly reduced marginal bone loss and vestibular recession, leading to improved long-term outcomes.[ix]
With so many options available, appropriate case selection, diagnosis, and treatment planning are vital for ensuring excellent outcomes for individual patients. To be able to assess each situation and prepare meticulously, you need to have undergone comprehensive training in the field. This training should also develop as you take on more advanced cases, ensuring you have the competence, confidence, and support to deliver exceptional care.
With courses by ASHA Club, you gain access to first-class teaching on a broad range of clinical topics, with theoretical and hands-on experience included as standard. From implant placement to augmentation concepts, restorative techniques, digital flows, and more, you can enhance your knowledge substantially in any area of your choosing. Ongoing mentorship is also available provided by Dr Selvaraj Balaji in addition to support from the dedicated WhatsApp group, helping you grow in line with your implant business.
Sustainable growth
Long-term success in implantology depends on excellent clinical skill. But it also requires soft skills like effective communication, as well as a good marketing plan backed by positive reviews and testimonials. If you are looking to build a future in the field, laying strong foundations in every area is crucial.
Find out more at https://www.ashaclub.co.uk/courses
Author: Selvaraj Balaji
[i] Touati R, Sailer I, Marchand L, Ducret M, Strasding M. Communication tools and patient satisfaction: A scoping review. J Esthet Restor Dent. 2022 Jan;34(1):104- 116. doi: 10.1111/jerd.12854. Epub 2021 Dec 25. PMID: 34953109; PMCID: PMC9305134.
[ii] Ho JCY, Chai HH, Luo BW, Lo ECM, Huang MZ, Chu CH. An Overview of Dentist-Patient Communication in Quality Dental Care. Dent J (Basel). 2025 Jan 14;13(1):31. doi: 10.3390/dj13010031. PMID: 39851608; PMCID: PMC11763373.
[iii] Reputation. UK consumers rely on reviews more than ever, Despite AI concerns. November 2024. https://reputation.com/press-room/uk-consumers-rely-on-reviews-more-than-ever-despite-ai-concerns/ [Accessed December 2025]
[iv] Powell J, Atherton H, Williams V, et al. Using online patient feedback to improve NHS services: the INQUIRE multimethod study. Southampton (UK): NIHR Journals Library; 2019 Oct. (Health Services and Delivery Research, No. 7.38.) Chapter 3, A cross-sectional survey of the UK public to understand use of online ratings and reviews of health services. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549414/
[v] Shadid RM, Sadaqah NR, Othman SA. Does the Implant Surgical Technique Affect the Primary and/or Secondary Stability of Dental Implants? A Systematic Review. Int J Dent. 2014;2014:204838. doi: 10.1155/2014/204838. Epub 2014 Jul 7. PMID: 25126094; PMCID: PMC4121016.
[vi] A systematic review of the accuracy of digital surgical guides for dental implantation
[vii] Dioguardi M, Spirito F, Quarta C, Sovereto D, Basile E, Ballini A, Caloro GA, Troiano G, Lo Muzio L, Mastrangelo F. Guided Dental Implant Surgery: Systematic Review. J Clin Med. 2023 Feb 13;12(4):1490. doi: 10.3390/jcm12041490. PMID: 36836025; PMCID: PMC9967359.
[viii] Manfredini M, Poli PP, Giboli L, Beretta M, Maiorana C, Pellegrini M. Clinical Factors on Dental Implant Fractures: A Systematic Review. Dentistry Journal. 2024; 12(7):200. https://doi.org/10.3390/dj12070200
[ix] De Angelis P, Manicone PF, Rella E, Liguori MG, De Angelis S, Tancredi S, D’Addona A. The effect of soft tissue augmentation on the clinical and radiographical outcomes following immediate implant placement and provisionalization: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Implant Dent. 2021 Aug 26;7(1):86. doi: 10.1186/s40729-021-00365-4. PMID: 34435229; PMCID: PMC8387538.
