Chapter 08 • Question 2
What Qualifications Should a Dental Implant Dentist Have?
📺 14:00 video📖 16 min read
Reviewed by Dr Tim Fleming
BDS – Dental Surgeon (GDC Reg: 83324)
A qualified dental implant dentist should have a primary dental degree with GDC registration, plus postgraduate implantology training through a Diploma (12-18 months), MSc (2-3 years gold standard), or minimum Certificate (6-12 months). Practical experience matters more than certificates alone—ask how many implants they've personally placed.
💡 Key Takeaways
- Primary dental degree (BDS/BChD) with GDC registration is essential baseline
- Postgraduate training: Certificate (6-12mo), Diploma (12-18mo), or MSc (2-3yr gold standard)
- Experience matters more than certificates: 100+ implants minimum, 500+ ideal
- Professional memberships: ADI, FGDP, ITI indicate continuing education
- Verify all qualifications through GDC register at gdc-uk.org
- Specialist registration (Restorative, Prosthodontics, Oral Surgery) is highest level but not always necessary