Can a dentist take a weekend class and then do dental implants?

Dental Implants: A dentist can place implants without any formal training as long as they have a license to practice dentistry although that would be unwise. Most implants are placed by Periodontists, Oral Surgeons and Prosthodontists with extensive training. Some General Dentists take extended courses lasting a week to a year. Training, experience and a recommendation should be key to selecting the right dentist.

Skill level!: In my opinion it would depend on the dentist's skill level and expertise prior to the class. Obviously a seasoned oral surgeon would be far more competent than a new graduate after a weekend seminar. New technologies like CBCT scans and customized surgical stents have made the placement more predictable, but for me, I think overall experience and education matter!

No: Many implant courses provide too much information into a short weekend course sponsored by implant companies, but it is not enough for placing and restoring dental implants.

Can or should: A Dentist can do any Dental Procedure upon graduation from training and receiving licensure. Short continuing education courses are designed to expand the Dentist's knowledge base. Specialty certification, however, requires a 2-5 year full time residency and then practice limitation to just that specialty. You are entitled to request information as to the Dentist's training and experience.

Yes: Sadly, that is the situation as it now stands. Most Dentists who place implants are much more formally trained and there is an enormous difference. Most often Oral Surgeons and Periodontists place the implants, but there is a growing number of Prosthodontists who are doing this as it is now part of their specialty training. These groups are trained well past the "weekend course".Know your surgeon!

5 years in...: ...and STILL LEARNING. I teach at NYU's continuing ed course in implantology. I am partnered with the director of the program. Personally, you can NEVER have too much training in implant dentistry. If it takes 3-6 months for an implant to integrate and get restored, then you want someone who has seen that their implant surgeries have been SUCCESSFUL. A weekend course does not offer that luxury.