Implantology is already well integrated in modern dentistry. Dental implant procedures are increasingly performed by general dentists in general offices. Still, as the indication field has been extended enormously, the need for more skilled and trained clinicians has been a subject of intensive interest at numerous universities and academic settings around the world. Various dental schools have created one- to four-year, part-time or full-time implant programs as part of their postdoctoral residence program. In this article, the ACTA approach is explained.
Feature Article
Abstract
Introduction
The postgraduate program in oral implantology and implant prosthetics was established at ACTA, Amsterdam by Prof. Dr. Daniel Wismeijer in 2006. Since then, 19 students have already completed the program. The Department of Oral Function at ACTA has set up a high-quality postgraduate course for dentists who wish to specialize in oral implantology and implant prosthodontics. In contrast with programs in other countries, the ACTA program is a three-year part-time specialization while most other European programs are limited to one year or a one-week per month arrangement.
In our view, prosthetic treatment is the key to any implant treatment situation, and surgery and prosthetic work cannot be taken separately. The principles of “Top Down Planning”, also known as “Backward Treatment Planning”, therefore predominantly govern this course (Mattheos et al. 2014). The MS (master of science) candidates who complete this course should be able to function as top treatment providers and have the knowledge and ability to treat the widest variety of patients in this field.
This three-year master course complies with the conditions set by the NVOI (Dutch Association for Oral Implantology) for registration as a dentist specialized in oral implantology (Tandarts Implantoloog) in the Netherlands, as long as the portfolio of patients treated exceeds 150. Although implant dentistry is not an accredited and recognized specialty in Europe (Sanz et al. 2008), still there is a trend towards clinicians who dedicate the majority of their time to implant treatment and act as specialists. Application for registration is the responsibility of the candidate and will be judged by the Concilium Implantologicum of the NVOI.
To inspire the MS students in their approach as well as to acquire the skills necessary for independent lifelong learning, we have combined clinical and research-related aspects in this course. In doing so we are trying to encourage the candidates to continue acquiring new knowledge and skills so they can keep on functioning as top treatment providers throughout their professional lives.