DENTAL IMPLANTS

Thomas College's conuting education Dental Implant Program provides Dental Assistants, Treatment Coordinators, Office Managers and Dental Sales Representatives with an in-depth knowledge of dental implant systems, surgeries, restorations, materials and clinical techniques. Whether you are an individual looking to take their career to the next level or a clinician such as a General Dentist, Periodontist or Oral Surgeon that wants their staff to become more knowledgable, our dental implant training program will help the student master the skills and knowledge required to work with dental implants. Our program is designed to be 100% online, accessible, and efficient to train students in a productive manner.

Program Overview

This program prepares students for career advancements in the field of dental implants. Primarily designed for Dental Assistants that work with General Dentists, Periodontists and Oral Surgeons. Our dental implant training program provides students with an in-depth knowledge of implants. Content focuses on implant systems, surgeries, restorations, clinical techniques, materials, implant failures, patient management and many other aspects. Graduates of this program are better prepared to treat patients in the discipline of dental implants, resulting in a more efficient and better performing implant practice. The program is offered online and follows Canadian and United States standards of practice.

Length & Start Date

The dental implant program is asynchronous, meaning it can be completed at the student's pace. The program is delivered online.

Tuition & Fees

Application Fee: $90
Acceptance Deposit: Full tuition amount
Tuition: $950
Computer and Internet: Additional, varies
Textbooks and learning resources: Additional, varies

Admissions Requirements

The dental implant programs has an English language requirement. If English is not the applicant's first language, there are many learning and testing programs available online and in person.

Students are encouraged to provide a brief summary about themselves and why they are interested in completing this program when applying for admissions into the dental implant training program.

Dental Implant Continuing Education Program for Dental Assistants

Course 01: Dental Implant- Surgery

DIMP 101 - Introduction to Dental Implants
DIMP 102 - Osseointegration Principles
DIMP 103 - Preoperative Procedures & Imaging
DIMP 104 - Surgical Techniques & Implant Placement
DIMP 105 - Surgical Guides
DIMP 106 - Bone Augmentation Procedures

DIMP 101 - Introduction to Dental Implants

Gain a fundamental understanding of dental implantology by identifying the various implant components, including fixtures, cover screws, healing abutments, and restorative parts like impression copings and abutments. Learn to recognize and prepare the essential surgical instruments, specialized kits, and equipment such as implant motors used in placement procedures.

DIMP 102 - Osseointegration Principles

Explore the biological process of osseointegration, the factors that influence successful implant integration with bone, and why it's critical for long-term stability. Understand the dental assistant's key role in pre-operative patient assessment, recognizing contraindications (local, absolute, relative), and identifying considerations that impact treatment success.

DIMP 103 - Preoperative Procedures & Imaging

Learn the workflow for comprehensive pre-surgical patient assessment, including medical/dental history review and the use of diagnostic casts and photographs in treatment planning. Master the principles of CBCT imaging, including the theory behind image capture, techniques for assessing images, and the crucial skill of identifying key anatomical structures relevant to safe implant placement.

DIMP 104 - Surgical Techniques & Implant Placement

Develop proficiency in assisting with various surgical site preparation methods, including flapless and flapped techniques, and understand the protocols for osteotomy (bone drilling). Become familiar with different implant placement strategies like one-stage vs. two-stage surgery, immediate placement considerations, and the concepts behind immediate restoration timing.

DIMP 105 - Surgical Guides

Understand the fundamentals and indications for using surgical guides to ensure accurate implant placement according to the treatment plan. Learn about the modern digital workflow involved in the fabrication and chairside use of various types of surgical guides, including those for fully edentulous cases.

DIMP 106 - Bone Augmentation Procedures

Gain knowledge of common bone augmentation techniques required when bone volume is insufficient. This includes Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) principles, materials (grafts/membranes), and necessary instrumentation; Sinus Lift procedures (internal/external techniques and tools); and Ridge Splitting concepts and the specific instruments used.

DIMP 107 - Introduction to Implant Prosthodontics.
DIMP 108 - Implant Impression and Digital Scan Techniques.
DIMP 109 - Provisional Restorations.
DIMP 110 - Assisting with Final Restorations.
DIMP 111 - Occlusion and Maintenance Considerations

DIMP 107 - Introduction to Implant Prosthodontics.

Familiarize yourself with the restorative phase of implant treatment by identifying various prosthetic components like impression copings, abutments ,analogs, and related screws. Understand the terminology and workflow involved in restoring dental implants from single units to full arches.

DIMP 108 - Implant Impression and Digital Scan Techniques.

Master the techniques for accurate implant-level impressions, crucial for fabricating well-fitting restorations. Learn the assistant's role in both conventional methods (open tray vs. closed tray techniques, material selection) and digital workflows using intraoral scanners (scan body selection and scanning protocols).

DIMP 109 - Provisional Restorations.

Understand the importance and types of provisional (temporary) restorations used during implant healing and tissue shaping phases. Learn how to assist in the fabrication, modification, and delivery of temporary crowns or bridges on implants, ensuring proper fit and patient comfort.

DIMP 110 - Assisting with Final Restorations.

Learn the chairside procedures involved in delivering the final implant prosthesis. Understand the assistant's role during try-in, adjustment, and final seating/cementation/torquing of implant abutments and crowns, bridges, or dentures, ensuring proper handling of components.

DIMP 111 - Occlusion and Maintenance Considerations

Gain insight into basic occlusal concepts as they relate to implant restorations and how they differ from natural teeth. Learn essential long-term implant maintenance protocols, identify potential complications, and understand the assistant's role in patient education for implant home care.

Course 02: Dental Implant- Restorations

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to find a shadowing clinic?

No, it is not a mandatory component of our program but we do recommend it to maximize your education.

How many hours a day do I need to attend class?

The program can be completed at your own pace. There is no minimum time commitment. However, the program must be completed within 1 year of the enrolment date.

I do not live in Canada, can I still apply to the program?

Yes, our program is available to anyone. Our material is based on dental implants and practice standards in Canada and the United States but it can be applied to other countries as well.

Do I have to travel to a facility or attend classes in person?

No, the dental implant program is 100% online. If you choose to partner with a clinic that is not close to home, you will be required to travel and spend time in that practice in person.

What kind of jobs can I apply for when I complete my studies?

Graduates can apply for positions in clinics that provide dental implant treatment to their patients. The majority of graduates will find jobs in dental speciality clinics such as those of Periodontist and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Individuals that take this program may also look for jobs in dental implant sales as well as with offices looking for treatment coordination with a focus on implantology.

Is this program accredited with the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada?

No, this is a continuing education program and there is not an option to have an accredited dental implant program with Canadian or US dental school accrediting bodies. The Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada only accredits dental, dental specialty, dental residency, dental hygiene, and dental assisting education programs.

Is this course regulated by provincial vocational school laws or regulations?

No, this is a continuing education course and not a vocational program and is therefore not eligible to be registered with any provincial government vocational school ministry.

What national exams do I have to write once I complete the Dental Implant Program?

There are no national exams that are required upon completion of this program.

Do I need a license to be a dental aide?

No, dental aides do not require provincial licenses. Only dentists, dental specialists, dental hygienists, dental assistants and dental therapists require licenses to work in dental clinics.

Am I required to complete any additional training prior to starting the dental implant program?

No, you are not required to complete any additional training prior to beginning the program. However, if you are planning on working as a Dental Assistant and working alongside clinicians during dental implant procedures, you will need to meet local dental assisting regulations and have obtained the proper education and training to become a licensed Dental Assistant in your area.