CATEGORY 34 AUSTRALASIAN DENTIST EVENTS Question: Are most general dentists restoring implants sufficiently informed or trained to treat and manage restorative complications for dental implants? “No” would be the emphatic response of Dr Alex Loh. Not only is Dr Loh speaking as an experienced implantologist who has been at the forefront of implant restoration since 2008, when direct-tofixture restorations were still a rarity in the field. He also speaks as an enthusiastic lifelong learner who has attended many implantology and restorative courses throughout his 25+ years career, and as a clinician personally affected by shifts in the paradigms of implant restoration. Identifying educational gap in restorative implantology Against this metamorphosis, he has observed a notable lack of educational programs addressing the restorative aspects of implantology, despite systematic reviews of literature consistently highlighting the prevalence of technical complications over biologic complications. “The focus on implant dentistry Empowering restorative dentists: Dr Alex Loh’s mission to enhance clinical competence Dr Alex Loh sheds light on the misconceptions surrounding the restorative aspects of implant dentistry and highlights the need for more in-depth education to address the complexity of the field. By Danny Chan often centers around the surgical aspect, unfortunately neglecting the crucial role of restorative procedures,” Dr Loh explains. “Certain courses have oversimplified the restorative aspect to the extent that some believe it merely involves taking a mould and attaching a small crown onto the implant. However, the reality is far more complex, and this complexity often goes unnoticed. Courses that delve deeper into the subject tend to offer fragmented information, providing small bits of knowledge without illustrating its clinical relevance or practical implementation.” Comprehensive Course on Restorative Implantology In response to this oversight, Dr Loh has developed a comprehensive course that reveals the true depth of restorative dentistry. His three-module Restorative Implantology courses held in Melbourne have been well-received as more people learn about the predominantly hands-on courses and the practical information gap that he is helping to bridge. Dr Loh’s courses would encompass various facets, including: meticulous planning; the role of a restorative dentist in the patient’s journey; utilization of materials to shape soft tissue; diverse types of abutments and their distinct applications; variations in implant crown materials; as well as the ability to interpret X-rays. Additionally, it would address the management of complications, not only those arising from one’s own procedures but also those originating from others. “By presenting a three-dimensional perspective, my aim is to provide a holistic understanding of the intricate nature of restorative implant dentistry,” he stresses. “My intention is to shed light on the comprehensive nature of this field.” Commitment to continuous professional development Throughout his career, Dr Loh actively sought opportunities for continuous professional development (CPD) through attending various courses and workshops. He pursued advanced education by attending prestigious courses offered by renowned institutions such as gIDE, ITI via Straumann, and NobelBiocare. In 2017, he obtained a Graduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry with a focus on Dental Implantology. Additionally, he completed a Graduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry with a focus on Orthodontics, and has completed a Master’s Degree in Clinical Dentistry (Orthodontics) through The University of Bolton. Dr Loh’s commitment to professional development has been acknowledged by his appointments as a Fellow of numerous prestigious institutions including the International College of Continuing Dental Education, the International Academy of Dental Facial Esthetics, the International Association of Orthodontics, and the World Academy of Ultrasonic Piezosurgery. “As I attended numerous CPD events,
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