What a Weekend!

This weekend I attended the American Academy of implant dentistry's annual meeting in Las Vegas. I usually attend this meeting every year, because it's usually in a very nice part of our country and I also get to learn the latest cutting edge techniques. This year though was a little different, in addition to attending the very informative meeting, I was asked to attend because I was being awarded a credential that about 1% of all dentists hold. That credential is diplomate of the American Board of Oral implantology. It means that I am Board Certified in Implant dentistry. Very few dentists attempt to obtain this certification because it is a grueling post doctoral education process, which entails written examinations, oral examinations, and case presentations. The process of preparation takes about 3 years.

                                           

I usually attend these meetings by myself, meeting up with old friends and colleagues from dental school or from all the continuing education courses I have taken. But this year was special. because I was receiving this award, my wife, children and parents attended as well.  It meant a lot to me to have them there, celebrating this very difficult achievement and milestone with me.

Dental Implants have changed the profession of dentistry. We are now able to give patients back their teeth and smiles in a very timely and cost effective manner.  The advances that we have made now allow us to have better and more predictable results. What used to be very difficult and painful procedures are now relatively easy and painless procedures.