Second Edition of the Implantologist Master Beginner – The Chronicle

Second Edition of the Implantologist Master Beginner – The Chronicle

On the 10th of May 2025 — a day Lisbon will also remember for the classic football derby between Sporting and Benfica (no winner was decided.......) — we proudly concluded the final module of the Second Edition of the Implantologist Master Beginner. As we reflect on the journey, one word comes to mind: transformational.

This wasn’t just a course. It was an intensive, inspiring, and deeply human experience.

Our participants — especially four young women with no prior implant training — brought an incredible energy. From the first day, they were fully engaged, absorbing every concept and asking the right questions. Their evolution was a privilege to witness.

In Module 1, we laid the theoretical and clinical foundation of implant dentistry — from osseointegration and treatment planning to single-unit and partial rehabilitation. We explored the surgical and prosthetic interplay critical to successful outcomes.

This module also marked a unique interdisciplinary collaboration with the Orthodontic Master Beginner program. Under the guidance of Dr. Elena Cerviño, we explored the integration of TADs, mini-implants, and corticotomies — enhancing our understanding of orthodontic-implant synergies. This joint effort opened a new perspective for many participants and was one of the standout moments of the course.

We were equally privileged to host Oral Hygienist Pedro Roberto, whose dynamic lectures on peri-implant hygiene were both practical and eye-opening. His presence underscored the importance of long-term maintenance in implant success.

after lunch Dra Berta Braga gave a wonderfull lecture on IOS and Dra Bruna Manso on platform and conical outer macrogeometry!

The course was proudly supported by leading companies in implantology: Biomet/Zimmer, Nobel Biocare, and Straumann. These platforms served as our practical playground — but the focus was never on the brand. Instead, we explored principles, biomechanics, and biological integration. A highlight was a live online lecture by Dr. João Afonso (directly from Harvard University), who deep-dived into implant microgeometry, sparking engaging discussions.

Day 2 of Module 1 was fully hands-on. Participants practiced drilling protocols from Straumann, Nobel Biocare, and Biomet, using simulated bone densities and a variety of implant designs — from BLX to T3 Pro. We examined the use of healing abutments, immediate protocols, and scanning strategies. The day culminated in the fun and competitive "Scanner Gincana", testing intraoral scanners like Trios, Sirios, iTero, Dexis, and Virtuo Vivo.

In Module 2, we focused on provisional restorations, and this is where clinical confidence began to soar. Participants learned how to fabricate provisionals using CAD/CAM, 3D printing, and free-hand techniques. They came to understand the biological and aesthetic importance of temporaries — not just as placeholders, but as tools to shape tissues, define emergence profiles, and influence final outcomes. We also addressed implant placement timing (immediate, early, delayed), and how to measure primary stability to guide loading protocols.

Then came the spin-off episode — our very own “Rogue One” moment — a standalone event titled:

“One Day with Radiology”(A Star Wars-style detour in the Implantology Saga)

This special session took place at IAD and focused entirely on radiologic imaging, scanning, and digital planning software. It was a full immersion into CBCT interpretation, case merging, and digital surgical guide design. Students worked with software from 3Shape, Exocad, Romexis, and Implant Studio, and by the end of the day, they could independently design and fabricate fully guided surgical templates. We explored workflows with Straumann, Nobel Biocare, Zimmer, and Biomet, bringing to life the digital planning protocols behind successful implant surgery.This wasn’t just a module — it was a technological rite of passage.

In the final Module 3, we returned to the clinic for two full surgical days. Each participant placed single-unit implants using the systems previously studied — from Biomet to CIA, Straumann to Nobel Biocare. They worked with various healing abutments, performed intraoral scanning with different strategies, and applied their knowledge step-by-step. We even touched on orthodontic transitional anchorage devices, highlighting the evolving interdisciplinary future of implantology.

None of this would have been possible without the extraordinary IAD team:

• Soraia and Patrícia, for flawless organization and support behind the scenes.

• Dental nurses Arlete and Liliana, for their calm expertise and clinical assistance.

• And the heartwarming presence of Fátima, whose legendary soups became a daily comfort during our most intense moments.

  
  

We ended this journey with a celebratory gin and tonic at JNcQUOI Avenida, right in the heart of Lisbon — sharing stories, laughs, and a sense of deep accomplishment.

The Implantologist Master Beginner is more than a course — it's an experience of growth, friendship, and excellence. I’m incredibly proud of this group, and thankful for the brilliant insights, dedication, and openness each participant brought.

We learned, we laughed, we grew — and I, too, walked away richer from the experience.Here’s to another unforgettable edition. And to many more to come.