Implant Dentistry from Coursera

Implant Dentistry is one of the most dynamic and rapidly developing areas within oral health care. In spite of increasing popularity of implantology, it is a relatively new discipline within dental education and remains limited to post-graduate courses offered by dental schools in many parts of the world today.

With the vision to help dental practitioners gain clinical understanding of implantology and an opportunity to provide implant treatments to their patients, the Faculty of Dentistry of HKU (ranked No. 1 dental school in the World in 2016) developed this MOOC to provide a world-class quality, unbiased, evidence-based and clinically-oriented course in this discipline.

Watch course trailer: https://youtu.be/ZZMLyy2EwEo

Who are the faculties?

The course teachers include more than 20 implant experts from 10 countries. Among others, you will learn from Professor NP Lang (Switzerland / Hong Kong), Professor Christoph Hämmerle (Switzerland), Professor Rino Burkhardt (Switzerland), Professor Paul Weigl (Germany), Professor Saso Ivanovski (Australia), Professor Man Yi (China), Professor Vasilios Chronopoulos (USA/ Greece), Dr Richard Chan (Australia), Dr Martin Janda (Sweden), Dr Chatchai Kunavisarut (Thailand), Dr Ian HS Yip (Hong Kong) , Dr Michael Ho (Hong Kong), Dr Irina-Florentina Dragan (USA), Dr Adam Siu (Hong Kong), Dr James Chow (Hong Kong), Dr Alfred Lau (Hong Kong), Dr Coral Yao (China), Dr Nikos Mattheos (Hong Kong) and more.

What are the contents covered in the course?

The MOOC includes 5 modules and runs over a period of 5 weeks. We will begin the journey of Implant Dentistry by exploring how discoveries in biology and technological developments lead to the current practice of dental implants. Then, we will examine clinical cases, diagnose our patients’ needs and expectations and learn the principles of treatment planning. We will learn step-by-step surgical procedures for placing implants and various restorative techniques, directed by current evidence and best practices. Finally, we will investigate major threats and complications of implant procedures and ways to ensure successful treatments and long serving implants.

What is the aim of the course?

This MOOC has a strong clinical focus and is especially designed to enhance professional learning among dental practitioners and dental students. The course aims to help the students LEARN the fundamentals of implant dentistry, UNDERSTAND the treatment procedures and protocols, and APPLY the competences gained through interactive peer and case based learning.

Who is the course for?

The course is specially designed to serve multiple groups of learners: From intermediate and experienced general dental practitioners who want to establish and deepen their knowledge in implant dentistry and advance towards implementing implant treatment and restorative procedures, to dental students and recent graduates who wish to gain understanding of implant dentistry and increase their competence in related practice.

The course makes good use of evidenced-based education, sound eLearning pedagogies and 21st century “live” resources to engage and create the best learning experience for our students.

What's inside

Syllabus

IMPLANTS, BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY

So what is implant dentistry all about? How did it all start and what were the major breakthroughs that paved the way to our current stage? How can dental implants benefit our patients? Is it about a new set of teeth or a complex rehabilitation with great potential but many limitations as well? This module will review the basic biological concepts behind tissue integration and the implications for our clinical decision making.

IMPLANTS AND THE PATIENT

Patient selection and treatment planning remains the cornerstone of success in implant dentistry. This module will discuss all patient related factors and will help you identify the right patient, identify their needs and prepare them physically and mentally for implant treatment. In this module we will further assess all systemic, anatomic and behavioral risks and help you design all steps in your comprehensive treatment plan, responding to the actual patient needs.

PLACING DENTAL IMPLANTS

The featured lectures in Week 3 will prepare you for your first implant placement and beyond. Major implant placement protocols and important choices and decisions that a dental surgeon routinely face, such as the timing of implant placement will be discussed. We will also review what we anticipate in the post surgical healing period including complications and risks. The theoretical lectures in the Module are supplemented by a series of practical videos of clinical work to show in detail the set-up of your surgery, acquainting you with the main instruments of the surgeon and the assistant, surgical techniques and step-by-step guidelines for efficient implant placement and suturing techniques.

RESTORING IMPLANTS

In Module 4, we will review the major pathways and choices we have for placing teeth on top of implants, whether with single crowns, fixed bridges or overdentures, and immediate or delayed placement and restoration. We will see how we can use implant abutments, screw retained or cement retained prostheses and how to choose among the many options. We will also look at the clinical applications and watch demonstrations of taking impressions on implants, cementation techniques, preparing temporary restorations and using them to achieve the optimal aesthetic results.

LIVING WITH DENTAL IMPLANTS AND THE FUTURE

A prosthesis on implants is a commitment for life and there is no doubt that implant prostheses are "high maintenance" devices! In this module we will discuss how to design individualised, evidence-based strategies to maintain health and function of implant prostheses in the long term. We will also review the most common technical and biological complications and discuss prevention strategies, early diagnosis and management techniques. We will also present some cutting edge technologies and new trends that may shape the future of implant dentistry, including using digital technology in tissue engineering and regeneration, dynamic navigation and digital workflow in implant procedures.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops professional skills and deep expertise in a particular topic or set of topics

Takes a creative approach to an otherwise established topic, field, or subject

Taught by Nikos Mattheos, who are recognized for their work in implant dentistry

Examines implant dentistry, which is highly relevant to oral health care

Strong fit with intermediate and experienced general dental practitioners, as the course content builds on existing experience while advancing learners towards implementing implant treatment and restorative procedures

Strong fit with dental students and recent graduates, as the course content provides a solid foundation in implant dentistry and increases competence in related practice

Reviews summary

Engaging content for implant dentistry

According to students, Implant Dentistry is well-received with engaging content. Students report that the course is useful and helpful for those interested in the subject matter. The course is well explained and will give learners a strong foundation for practicing implant dentistry.

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Implant Dentistry with these activities:

Virtual Case Discussion Group

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Collaborate with fellow dental practitioners to discuss complex cases, share insights, and enhance clinical decision-making.

Show steps

Connect with other course participants online
Present challenging cases for discussion
Provide feedback and suggestions to colleagues
Engage in critical analysis and evidence-based decision-making

Show all one activities

Career center

Learners who complete Implant Dentistry will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Dentist

An Implant Dentist is a specialized type of dentist who focuses on the placement and restoration of dental implants. This course provides a comprehensive overview of implant dentistry, covering topics such as implant biology, patient selection, treatment planning, surgical procedures, and restorative techniques. Taking this course can help you build a strong foundation in implant dentistry and prepare you for a successful career in this field.

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Dental Hygienist

Dental Hygienists play a vital role in the dental implant process, providing support to Implant Dentists and ensuring the proper care of patients. This course can help Dental Hygienists expand their knowledge of implant dentistry and develop the skills necessary to assist in implant procedures and provide ongoing patient care.

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Dental Assistant

Dental Assistants work closely with Implant Dentists, assisting in surgical procedures and providing patient care. This course can help Dental Assistants gain a better understanding of implant dentistry and develop the skills needed to support Implant Dentists effectively.

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Prosthodontist

Prosthodontists specialize in the restoration and replacement of missing teeth, including the placement of dental implants. This course can provide Prosthodontists with an in-depth understanding of implant dentistry and help them develop the skills necessary to provide comprehensive implant treatment to their patients.

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Oral Surgeon

Oral Surgeons perform surgical procedures in the mouth, including the placement of dental implants. This course can provide Oral Surgeons with a deeper understanding of implant dentistry and help them refine their surgical skills for implant placement and restoration.

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Periodontal Surgeon

Periodontal Surgeons specialize in the treatment of gum disease and other conditions affecting the supporting structures of the teeth. This course can provide Periodontal Surgeons with a better understanding of implant dentistry and its role in the treatment of periodontal disease.

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Endodontist

Endodontists specialize in the treatment of root canals and other conditions affecting the pulp of the tooth. This course can provide Endodontists with a basic understanding of implant dentistry and its role in the restoration of teeth with damaged pulp.

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Dental Laboratory Technician

Dental Laboratory Technicians create dental prosthetics, including crowns, bridges, and dentures. This course can provide Dental Laboratory Technicians with a better understanding of implant dentistry and the requirements for fabricating implant-supported prosthetics.

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Dental Sales Representative

Dental Sales Representatives sell dental products and equipment to dentists and other dental professionals. This course can provide Dental Sales Representatives with a better understanding of implant dentistry and the benefits of different implant systems, which can help them effectively market implant products to their customers.

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Medical Device Engineer

Medical Device Engineers design and develop medical devices, including dental implants. This course can provide Medical Device Engineers with a better understanding of the principles of implant dentistry and the requirements for designing and developing safe and effective implant systems.

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Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical Engineers apply engineering principles to the design and development of medical devices, including dental implants. This course can provide Biomedical Engineers with a better understanding of the biological principles behind implant dentistry and the challenges involved in designing and developing biocompatible implant systems.

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Pharmacist

Pharmacists dispense medications and provide advice on their use. This course can provide Pharmacists with a basic understanding of implant dentistry and the medications used in implant procedures.

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Nutritionist

Nutritionists provide advice on diet and nutrition. This course can provide Nutritionists with a basic understanding of implant dentistry and the nutritional needs of patients undergoing implant treatment.

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Psychologist

Psychologists provide therapy and counseling to help people with mental health issues. This course may be useful for Psychologists who work with patients who are experiencing anxiety or depression related to implant dentistry.

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Social Worker

Social Workers provide support and assistance to people in need. This course may be useful for Social Workers who work with patients who are facing financial or social challenges related to implant dentistry.

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