Choosing the right implant education pathway is an important decision. Whether you are exploring implant dentistry for the first time or looking to progress your clinical skills, our Frequently Asked Questions provide answers to some of the most common enquiries about the Australasian Implant Academy, our courses, eligibility, and what to expect throughout your learning journey.
If you cannot find the information you are looking for, please contact our team. We are here to help you find the program that best suits your current level of experience and professional goals.
What is the best dental implant course in Australia for me?
The best implant course depends on your current experience level and professional goals. Dentists new to implantology typically benefit from foundational training that covers diagnosis, treatment planning and surgical principles, while experienced clinicians may seek advanced programs in augmentation, full arch rehabilitation or soft tissue management. A structured pathway, like what is offered by the AIA, allows clinicians to progressively build competence and confidence.
What is the best implant course for beginners in Australia?
Fellowship 1 – Fundamental Implantology is designed for clinicians with little or no implant experience. It provides structured education in diagnosis, treatment planning, surgical fundamentals, restorative workflows and patient management, creating a strong foundation for future implant education.
How do I start learning about performing dental implant surgery?
Most dentists begin by learning implant diagnosis, case selection, treatment planning and restorative principles before progressing to surgical placement. Structured education combined with mentorship and practical experience provides the safest and most predictable pathway.
Can general dentists learn implant dentistry?
Yes. Many implant clinicians begin as general dentists. With structured education, mentoring and clinical support, dentists can progressively develop implant skills while maintaining patient safety and predictable outcomes.
What implant courses are offered by the Australasian Implant Academy?
Does AIA offer live patient implant surgery training?
Yes. AIA is currently one of only a handful of implant education academies in Australia offering supervised live patient surgery programs. This allows clinicians to gain practical surgical experience while being supported by experienced faculty.
What are the benefits of live patient implant training?
Live patient training develops clinical judgement, surgical confidence, communication skills and decision-making abilities. It bridges the gap between theory and real-world practice in a way simulation alone cannot achieve.
How many implants should I place before progressing to advanced training?
There is no specific number. Progression should be based on clinical confidence, treatment planning ability, case selection skills and overall experience rather than simply the number of implants placed.
Which implant course should I take if I already place implants?
Clinicians already placing straightforward implants often progress to Fellowship 2 for advanced surgery and augmentation, or Fellowship 3 if their goal is full arch rehabilitation and complex treatment planning.
What is the difference between Fellowship 1, Fellowship 2 and Fellowship 3?
Fellowship 1 focuses on fundamentals, Fellowship 2 develops advanced surgical and augmentation skills, while Fellowship 3 focuses on full arch rehabilitation, digital workflows and advanced implant reconstruction.
What is a full arch implant course?
A full arch implant course teaches clinicians how to diagnose, plan, surgically place and restore comprehensive full arch implant rehabilitations using modern treatment protocols.
How do I know if I am ready for full arch implant training?
Dentists may be ready for full arch training if they are comfortable with implant treatment planning, routinely placing or restoring implants, and want to manage more complex rehabilitation cases.
Who teaches the Fellowship 3 Full Arch course?
Fellowship 3 features internationally recognised educators, including Dr Tomasz Kaczyński, who is highly regarded for his expertise in full arch implantology and advanced rehabilitation.
What is immediate loading in implant dentistry?
Immediate loading involves placing a provisional restoration shortly after implant placement rather than waiting for a traditional healing period. It is commonly used in full arch rehabilitation when clinically appropriate.
What is Fellowship 4 – The Soft Tissue Blueprint?
Fellowship 4 focuses on soft tissue management, periodontal plastic surgery, grafting techniques, flap design, suturing protocols and peri-implant soft tissue augmentation. This program is led by Dr Abbas Hassanali, a certified specialist in Periodontology and Implant Surgery, with advanced training from the University of Toronto and a focus on aesthetic and reconstructive periodontics, alongside his role in surgical education. He is joined by Dr Jess Liu, a specialist periodontist and Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, who is a Clinical Assistant Professor and Director of the Implant Fellowship Program at Boston University, with a focus on minimally invasive techniques and digital integration.
Why is soft tissue management important in implant dentistry?
Soft tissue health contributes significantly to implant aesthetics, patient comfort, tissue stability and long-term clinical success.
What is peri-implant soft tissue augmentation?
Soft tissue health contributes significantly to implant aesthetics, patient comfort, tissue stability and These procedures are designed to improve the volume, thickness and quality of tissue surrounding implants, supporting aesthetics and long-term stability.
Are digital workflows important in modern implant dentistry?
Yes. Digital workflows assist with CBCT analysis, guided surgery, prosthetic planning, laboratory communication and full arch treatment planning.
Do implant courses include mentoring?
Many clinicians consider mentoring one of the most valuable aspects of implant education. AIA supports participants through mentoring, case discussions and ongoing faculty access.
Is there ongoing support after completing an implant course?
Yes. Participants can access online case discussions, mentoring opportunities, educational podcasts and peer learning communities.
Why learn from international implant educators?
International educators provide exposure to global best practices, emerging technologies, advanced surgical techniques and contemporary treatment philosophies.
What is the New York University Fellowship?
The NYU Fellowship provides Australian clinicians with access to internationally recognised implant education in a respected global academic environment.
What makes the Australasian Implant Academy different?
AIA combines structured education, live patient surgery, international faculty, mentoring, podcasts, online discussions and progressive fellowships into a comprehensive learning ecosystem.
What makes the Australasian Implant Academy different?
AIA combines structured education, live patient surgery, international faculty, mentoring, podcasts, online discussions and progressive fellowships into a comprehensive learning ecosystem.
Can implant training help grow my dental practice?
Many dentists undertake implant education to expand treatment options, improve patient outcomes and offer more comprehensive care.
Is implant dentistry a good investment for dentists?
For many clinicians, implant education supports professional growth, expanded treatment capabilities and long-term career development.
What is the best pathway to become confident in implant dentistry?
A structured progression through Fellowship 1, Fellowship 2, Fellowship 3, Fellowship 4, Live Patient Externships and international education provides a comprehensive pathway to confidence and competence.
What is the difference between implant training and a Graduate Diploma?
Short courses focus on specific skills and knowledge, while Graduate Diploma programs provide a more formal and comprehensive academic qualification with broader educational outcomes.
Can I learn implant surgery without placing implants first?
Foundational implant education can be completed before placing implants. Most clinicians begin with theory, planning and observation before progressing to supervised surgical experience.
Who founded the Australasian Implant Academy?
The Australasian Implant Academy (AIA) was founded by leading implant clinicians including Dr Ned Restom, Dr Dean Licenblat and Dr David Bassal with a vision to provide Australian dentists with a structured, evidence-based pathway for implant education. The Academy was established to bridge the gap between theory and real-world clinical practice by combining progressive fellowship training, live patient surgical experience, mentoring, and access to internationally recognised educators. Today, AIA continues to support clinicians at every stage of their implant journey, from foundational training through to advanced full arch rehabilitation and soft tissue management.
Are finance options available for AIA courses?
Yes. The Australasian Implant Academy understands that professional education is a significant investment in your career and offers finance options to help make training more accessible. Flexible payment solutions may be available for eligible participants, allowing clinicians to spread the cost of their education while progressing through the Academy’s fellowship pathway. For the latest information on available payment plans, course fees and finance options, dentists are encouraged to contact the AIA team directly.
Where are Australasian Implant Academy courses held?
The Australasian Implant Academy delivers courses at carefully selected training facilities and clinical locations throughout Australia, with many programs held in Sydney and Melbourne. Depending on the fellowship or externship, participants may also have access to specialised surgical facilities, live patient training environments and international education opportunities such as the New York University Fellowship. Course locations are listed on individual program pages, and participants receive detailed venue information upon registration.
Does AIA offer free online case discussions?
Yes. The Australasian Implant Academy hosts regular online case discussions that allow clinicians to learn from real-world cases presented by experienced implant educators and fellow participants. These sessions provide an opportunity to explore treatment planning, surgical decision-making, restorative considerations and management of challenging clinical scenarios.
The monthly online case discussions held on the first Monday of every month are designed to support continuous learning and encourage collaboration within the implant community, regardless of where clinicians are located.
Does the Australasian Implant Academy offer mentoring and ongoing support?
Yes. Ongoing support is a key part of the AIA educational experience. Participants gain access to a supportive community of clinicians through mentoring opportunities, online case discussions, educational podcasts and peer-to-peer learning networks.
Many clinicians find that mentorship is one of the most valuable aspects of their implant education journey. Having access to experienced faculty and like-minded peers provides confidence when implementing new skills, planning complex cases and progressing through different stages of implant training.
Rather than learning in isolation, AIA participants become part of an active professional network committed to continuous improvement and clinical excellence.
Is there an implant dentistry community or support network after completing a course?
Yes. AIA provides access to an ongoing community of implant clinicians through case discussions, mentoring, educational content and professional networking opportunities. This support network helps participants continue learning, share experiences and seek guidance as they develop their implant skills and confidence in practice.