Australasian Dentist Implant Dentistry Today No 15

Implant Dentistry Today 4 Education & Training 2022 Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Implantology programs, next cohort starting September 2021 The Implant Institute is now taking enrolments for the 2022 Postgraduate Certificate (1 Year) and Postgraduate Diploma (2 Year) programs in Dental Implantology, commencing in September 2021 for Australian and New Zealand dentists. The PGCert (Dent Imp) and PGDip (Dent Imp) awards from the Cambridge Academy of Dental Implantology are regulated UK qualifications accredited by the regulated, globally recognised awarding body, EduQual, as formal Level 7 (Masters Level) postgraduate qualifications. This ensures a credible and independently accredited postgraduate education standard, and allows use of academic postnominals after the name of successful graduates. The Academy has 10 years’ track record of educating over 100 dentists globally per annum. Dr Stuart Ellis, former Chief Examiner at the Royal College of Surgeons of England, is the Academy Director. “Today it is crucial to deliver postgraduate accredited programs designed for the busy life of a dentist,” says Dr Ellis. “After all, there is no point in providing education if it is too difficult for dentists to access. The beauty of providing the theory as an online learning program is that dentists can continue to earn whilst they learn. The all-important practical and clinical aspects are also designed to be accessible.” The program in both Years 1 (PGCert) and 2 (PGDip) is divided into 3 components per year. Comprehensive, engaging dental implant education and training Component 1 consists of Online Theory Modules delivered as a distance learning program over two academic terms. There are on-demand weekly sessions, tutor feedback and academic discussions. Assessment is by online coursework and essays. Component 2 is a hands-on intensive Practical SkillsWeek, held in Perth. There is heavy focus on case discussion and understanding planning, plus practicing fundamental surgical and prosthetic skills and troubleshooting. Assessment is by OSCEs. For those who progress into Year 2 for a PGDip award, the skills training goes into more advanced planning and prosthetic protocols, and more advanced surgical procedures including sinus, bone, soft tissue grafting and PRF. Component 3 is the Clinical Cases Module, where dentists undertake clinical cases on their own patients under supervision. Treatment planning is mentored and supervised by tutors or local mentors in the dentist’s own region. Dr Misagh Habibi is the Australian Program Director. “We have some excellent tutors and lecturers supporting this program,” says Dr Habibi. “From the local to the international level and they have been chosen not only for knowledge but for an engaging and humble teaching attitude. We provide academic, evidence-based didactic education that is challenging and comprehensive, but accessible. This is balanced with upskilling the students’ practical and clinical know-how, be it beginner or experienced, to a higher level.” The Implant Institute and Cambridge Academy’s partnership has been well received by the Australasian implant education space, and by demand it is here to stay. There are currently 79 dentists in Australia and New Zealand engaged in the institute’s Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma programs. Dr Ellis comments on the motivation of Australian students. “We have been very impressed with the enthusiasm of the Australia/NZ cohorts, who’ve shown a great engagement and thirst for knowledge.” Students agree. “It is by far the most didactic and well-presented course I have attended,” says Dr Araventh Thavarvaran of the ACT. “I have found with many other implant lectures, sometimes it’s difficult to piece the fragmented information together. For me, this course gives exactly what I was hoping it would.” Dr Hiba AalYaseen of NSW says she researched for years to decide on a course of implant education, and has not looked back. “The course content and modules have been well-spaced, providing ample time to fit course assessments in with full-time working hours,” says Dr Hiba. “It covers a broad spectrum of topics from the basic fundamentals, to treatment planning and practical skills. This PGCert has provided me with the basic knowledge and skill set to provide implant treatment with confidence. A clinician with any level of experience can learn a lot from this comprehensive course.” Dr Scott Mennell, now in his second year of studies for the Postgraduate Diploma award, echoes a similar sentiment. “It’s definitely branching out my knowledge and skill set. And the tutors have been fantastic. Misagh’s super approachable, really easy going, it’s been a fanastic experience all round.” The next cohort of the PGCert (Dent Imp) program commences online on September 20th 2022, and enrolments are filling. Fees can be spread over 12 months on a payment plan of $1,699 per month. n Full details and FAQ on the Postgraduate Certificate in Dental Implantology can be found at theimplantinstitute.com.au . Enquires to info@theimplantinstitute.com.au