Choosing the dentist who will place your dental implants is an important decision that shouldn’t be rushed. Instead of simply choosing a practice nearby, take the time to research implant providers in your area and learn about their background. Reading reviews from previous patients and looking at before-and-after photos are great ways to narrow your search.
Most importantly, you should look at the dentist’s credentials. Explore our informative guide to learn five of the most important certifications an implant specialist can achieve.
DDS or DMD
The first and most important credential you should look at is the dentist’s education. Make sure they’ve earned a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) before choosing them as your provider. Either one of these degrees shows that the dentist has completed years of advanced training and received a comprehensive education in the field of dentistry.
Since there’s some confusion among patients over which has more value, it’s important to note that a DDS and a DMD are totally equivalent. The title of the diploma is chosen by the university, but the curriculum and requirements are exactly the same.
When choosing your implant dentist, look for someone like Dr. Derek Hoffman in Lincoln, NE. Having earned his DDS from the University of Nebraska, he has the necessary educational background to ensure your safety.
Misch International Implant Institute
For more than 30 years, the Misch International Implant Institute has provided invaluable training to dentists from all over the world. Founded by Dr. Carl E. Misch in 1984, the program condenses a comprehensive education for implant dentists into five convenient sessions.
The Misch Institute is renowned in the field of dentistry for the highly advanced training it provides. If your implant dentist is certified by Misch, you can rest assured that they’ll take excellent care of your smile.
International Congress of Oral Implantologists
One of the greatest honors an implant dentist can receive is an advanced credential from the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI). Founded in 1972, the ICOI is currently the largest dental implant organization in the world, as well as the largest provider of continuing implant education.
To receive an advanced credential from the ICOI, members must satisfy strict requirements that demonstrate a mastery of dental implant procedures. For example, Dr. Eric Herman in Vincennes, IN documented 20 successful implant cases and completed 75 hours of continuing education to earn his Fellowship credential.
American Dental Association
Established in 1859 and featuring over 163,000 current members, the American Dental Association (ADA) is the oldest and largest dental association in the world. The ADA seal of approval has become an essential recognition to achieve for American dentists, signifying that they’ve sworn an oath to prioritize your health and safety at all costs.
Before you commit to an implant provider, check to see if they’re a member of the ADA, like Dr. Kenneth Troutman in Huntingburg, IN. He’ll tailor the implant process to your specific needs and help you achieve a stunning new smile.
American Academy of Implant Dentists
Founded in 1951, the American Academy of Implant Dentists (AAID) is the oldest organization in the world dedicated to dental implants. With a current membership of more than 5,500 dentists, the AAID aims to move the art and science of implant dentistry forward in any way possible.
For 68 years, the organization has held an annual conference bringing together the brightest and boldest minds in implant dentistry from all over the world. This offers an opportunity for dentists to learn from the very best practitioners, while also networking with their peers.
If your implant provider is a member of the AAID, you can expect them to be highly experienced in placing implants and well-versed in the latest dental technology.
Find Your Implant Dentist Today
Dental implants offer a permanent, natural-looking solution for missing teeth. They’re the only restoration that protects your long-term oral health in addition to enhancing your smile. They’re also highly durable, easy to clean, and can last a lifetime with proper care.
If you want to restore your smile with dental implants, take the time to thoroughly research providers in your area before making your final decision. By checking for the credentials listed above, among others, you can protect yourself from dental fraud and ensure you’re getting the best care available.