Dr Tom Hughes discusses his journey into providing dental implants, including the value of mentorship and support, and offers advice for those on a similar path.
My career background has been mixed between general practice and secondary care, having gained experience in private and NHS practices, and provided oral and maxillofacial surgery for more than eight years. I have had quite a varied background overall, having completed a range of postgraduate courses in restorative, cosmetic, and aesthetic dentistry since I graduated, and worked as an educational supervisor for a few years.
Beginning the journey to dental implantology
My interest in beginning a journey into dental implantology was prompted by observing implants being placed during my oral surgery rotations, in particular, seeing the rehabilitation of head and neck cancer patients. Additionally, learning the restorative workflow as part of my postgraduate certificate increased my awareness of the prosthetic side of the work. As a result, I wanted to marry together the two different elements of my experience – oral surgery and restorative dentistry. The oral surgery experience enables me to confidently elevate soft tissue flaps, and manage complex medical histories.
As part of my dental implant education, I took part in the SmileFast Diploma. This was part time over two years, and involved self-directed learning, online webinar sessions, and hands-on study days held in Manchester and London. I gained a lot of exposure to BioHorizons and Camlog through the course, because their go-to system for teaching is the CONELOG® system. I had previously been exposed to this system as one of my mentors – Matt Lawler, a colleague at Peel House Dental – uses BioHorizons and Camlog systems for full-arch cases, so I have become familiar with their use.
Selecting an implant system
Currently, I exclusively use CONELOG® dental implants for a screw-retained workflow, with ease of retrieval a key benefit of this system. Additionally, for ridge preservation, I utilise MinerOss® XP (porcine xenograft) alongside Cytoplast Membranes and Striate+ from BioHorizons.
What set BioHorizons and Camlog apart was not only the progressive taper design of the implant and the internal tri-lobe connection, but the help I received from the sales representatives. Dan (previous BioHorizons Camlog North West Territory Manager) visited the surgery on the first day of placement to make sure everything was running smoothly, which was really helpful. This was continued with Emma (current North West Territory Manager) who visited the practice when I purchased the guided kit to help me set it up and run through the process with me. I received bespoke guidance for each system from the first use, based on the experiences of clinicians who had used the systems before.
Overcoming challenges and advice for peers
For others who are looking to begin their journey to implantology, I would recommend researching the system that they’d like to utilise. Ultimately, in order to consistently provide predictable and high-quality treatment, it needs to be systematic, reproducible, and easy to use and stock. The system selected must be reasonably priced, and I’d recommend investing in prosthetic, surgical, and guided kits, as this helps to ensure that everything is in stock when it’s needed. Most importantly, those who are new to BioHorizons and Camlog dental implants should not be afraid to ask for help and support from their sales team when needed, as it is gladly provided whenever needed, and also to utilise the wealth of information available online.
Additionally, when you’re just starting out in your implant career, finding a suitable mentor is absolutely key. Alex Payne (SmileFast mentor) has been unbelievably helpful when it comes to case planning and execution. He recommended the CONELOG® system to me, and has therefore been a valuable source of support as I learn the workflow. Ease of communication with my mentor and ability to relate to one another smoothed the transition from novice to an independent practitioner.
For product information from BioHorizons and Camlog, please visit https://theimplanthub.com/
Author Bio: Tom Hughes graduated from The University of Manchester in 2012, having studied undergraduate genetics at The University of Liverpool for three years. He has accrued over eight years of experience in oral surgery, having worked in oral and maxillofacial surgery at University Hospital Aintree, Arrowe Park Hospital and as a Speciality Doctor in Oral Surgery for Warrington and Halton NHS Trust. Tom bases his services on friendly and patient-focussed dentistry, with a special interest in restorative cosmetic dentistry and oral surgery.
