Implant Dentistry
Implant Dentistry focuses on surgical placement and restoration of dental implants to replace missing teeth, integrating surgical, prosthetic and digital skills.
Specialty Overview
Scope & Practice
Implant dentists diagnose, plan, place and restore dental implants and manage bone grafting, sinus lifts, and prosthetics.
Common Procedures:
- Endosseous implant placement
- Bone grafting (ridge augmentation)
- Sinus lift procedures
- Immediate implant placement
- Implant-supported fixed dentures
- All-on‑X full‑arch restorations
- Guided surgery with 3D planning
- Maintenance of peri‑implant tissues
Professional Roles
Implant Dentistry specialists can pursue various career paths within the specialty, often combining multiple roles:
- Private Practice: Solo or group implant-focused dental practice
- Specialty Clinics: Multi-specialty or hospital dental services
- Academic / Research: Teaching and implantology research roles
- Corporate / DSOs: Implant lead in dental service organizations
Clinical Settings
Implant Dentistry specialists practice in diverse environments:
- Dental implant specialty offices
- Oral surgery / periodontics departments
- Hospital dental clinics
- Continuing education training centers
Specialty Outlook
The implant dentistry profession continues to evolve with technological advances and shifting demographics:
- Rising patient demand for implant solutions
- Growth in full-arch and immediate load techniques
- Increasing use of guided digital surgery
- Heightened interdisciplinary collaboration
Digital Innovation
Implant Dentistry is increasingly driven by cutting-edge digital technologies transforming patient care:
- CBCT and guided implant planning
- 3D-printed surgical guides
- CAD/CAM implant prosthetics
- AI-assisted surgical planning
Patient Experience
Modern implant dentistry emphasizes patient comfort and convenience through various approaches:
- Same-day implants and restorations
- Minimally invasive guided surgery
- Digital smile design preview
- Teleconsultation for treatment planning
Student Journey Roadmap
Pre-Dental & Implant Exposure
During Dental School
Geographic Program Map
Competitiveness Level
Application Requirements
Academic Prerequisites
- Degree Required: DDS or DMD from CODA-accredited school
- Minimum GPA: 3.3
- Average Accepted GPA: 3.5+
- Core Courses: Oral surgery, prostho, periodontics excellence
- Research Experience: Implant-focused research beneficial
Standardized Tests
- NBDE: NBDE Part I/II or INBDE (pass required)
- TOEFL/IELTS: Required for international applicants
Letters of Recommendation
- Number Required: 2-3
- Types:
- • Oral surgery or periodontics faculty
- • Prosthodontics or implant mentor
- • Research advisor
- Emphasis: Clinical & surgical aptitude highlighted
Research Experience
- Implant-related research desirable
- Publication or presentations valued
- Evidence-based approach to treatment planning
Clinical Experience
- Externship in implant programs
- Hands‑on experience in implant surgery
- Prosthetic restorative exposure
- Digital guided surgery familiarity
Application Components
- PASS or program-specific application
- Supplemental forms
- Personal statement (implant focus)
- CV detailing implant exposure
- Transcripts, letters, professional photo
Competitive Profile
- Target GPA: 3.5+
- Target GRE Verbal:
- Target GRE Quantitative:
- Research Publications:
- Shadowing Hours: 30‑50+
- Extracurriculars:
Application Deadlines & Timeline
Applications Open
Many programs open in May via PASS or portals.
Send LOR Requests
Ask mentors early to prepare implant‑focused letters.
Submit Applications
Include personal statement, CV, transcripts.
Interview Period
On‑site or virtual interviews with programs.
Set Reminders
Get notified about upcoming deadlines
Download Timeline
Save this timeline to your calendar
Competitiveness Overview
Understanding the competitive landscape for this specialty
Applicant to Seat Ratio
1.4:1
Average GPA
3.5+
Program Duration
1-3
Average Tuition
$20K-$80K
Starting Salary
$150K
Tips for Success
- Good Academics: Maintain a GPA of 3.3+ and solid DAT scores
- Clinical Exposure: Shadow specialists in the field
- Extracurriculars: Be involved in dental organizations
- Strong Application: Write compelling personal statements
Curriculum & Training
Program Structure
Duration
12–36 months
Weekly Schedule
2–3 days clinical, 1–2 days didactic/research
Research Requirements
Typically includes case report or small thesis
Clinical Training
- Implant placement under supervision
- Bone grafting & sinus lifts
- Immediate load/full‑arch procedures
- Guided surgery workflows
- Restoration of implants
- Maintenance of peri‑implant health
Didactic Education
- Implant biology & osseointegration
- Digital workflows & CBCT planning
- Materials and prosthetic design
- Peri‑implantitis prevention & management
- Treatment planning seminars
Research Activities
- Case documentation & presentation
- Clinical outcomes studies
- Digital and surgical innovation research
Financial Information
Total Program Cost
Programs with Stipends
Living Expenses
Starting Salary
Culture & Lifestyle
Work-Life Balance
Clinical load varies; hospital-based programs may include call days.
Career Satisfaction
High satisfaction; tangible outcomes and patient impact.
Practice Environment
Fast-paced surgical-restorative settings; collaborative teams.
Physical Demands
Moderate–high: surgical precision and manual dexterity needed.
Day-in-the-Life
Team Meeting
Review cases, OR schedules, and guided workflows
First Surgical Slot
Place 2‑3 implants with grafting support
Lunch / Didactic Session
Seminar on implant complications or digital planning
Afternoon Restorative Clinic
Restore implants, take digital impressions
Case Follow‑up
Review healing, modify treatment plans
Career Perspective
Resident Perspective
I rotate between OR, lab, and clinic—balancing surgical and restorative skills.
My day includes placing implants in the morning and prosthetic work in the afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is implant dentistry recognized as a specialty?
Implant dentistry isn’t ADA-recognized as a specialty, but training is offered via fellowships and advanced programs.
How long are implant dentistry training programs?
Programs vary from 12 months (certificate only) up to 36 months when paired with a master's degree.
Do implant programs pay a stipend?
Approximately 30% of programs offer stipends ranging from $30K–$60K/year, typically in hospital-based settings.