Implant Dentistry deals with the placement and restoration of titanium implants to replace missing teeth. Hence, it is important for every general dental practitioner to acquire basic knowledge and develop skills to deliver implant treatment as the best fixed treatment option to the patients. Gaining exposure in Implant Dentistry provides practitioners not only knowledge, skills and self-confidence but also to ensure safe and predictable outcome for their patients. With this in mind, IMU School of Dentistry started to offer Postgraduate Diploma in Implant Dentistry since 2016 to train general dental practitioners to expand the scope of their practice to include Implant Dentistry.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Implant Dentistry (PGDID) programme delivered at IMU is Malaysia’s first and only MQA accredited postgraduate programme for implant dentistry. Since its inception in 2016, it has successfully trained five cohorts to be able to carry out safe, effective, and independent implant practice.
The highlight of this programme is that dentists registered under the programme are able to perform implant placements on patients within IMU clinics while receiving direct and attentive one-on-one supervision. Additionally, they have access to IMU’s library and online resources, Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), Software planning for Computer Guided Implant Surgery, Densah burs for Osseodensification. The Programme has also developed a special Implant clinic for correct implant referrals and clinical supervision.
This programme is specially tailored to suit practitioners with minimal or no implant dentistry experience. An evidence-based patient-centered approach is used in advising patients concerning the choice of prostheses, techniques, and materials available.
Unique Learning Model
The programme has a unique learning model which offers flexibility through its outcome-based modular structure delivered through blended learning. Coming to IMU for face-to-face teaching/learning sessions once every two months is something all the students look forward as they meet the teaching faculty for direct teaching and practical sessions.
The new PGDID 2021 Curriculum was launched in 2021 where special learning outcomes have been planned to be delivered on developing Communication skills, Entrepreneurial skills, Professionalism and Ethics to provide holistic approach in developing implant practice.
Qualified and Experienced Faculty
IMU has ensured that the programme is delivered by highly qualified and experienced full-time and adjunct teaching faculties. One of the teaching faculties for this programme is A/Prof Dr Pravinkumar Patil who was accoladed with ITI fellowship and is recognised as a Fellow of ITI in performing an active role in shaping the future of Implant Dentistry. Dr Pravin also achieved an ITI Research Grant for his project “Five-year PROM’s, Peri-implant health and prosthetic complications in immediately loaded single and two-implant mandibular overdentures: Randomized controlled trial”.
What Our Student Says
Dr Lyster Edviano Loo
Private Practitioner currently undergoing training under PGDID
“Although time is a factor for working clinicians, I chose to learn from the finest. IMU PGDID gives me the best of both worlds. Lecturers are approachable and friendly which make me want to learn and discover more in Implant dentistry. Small-group discussions enable us to gain perspective on a variety of situations and explore possibilities. The well-equipped facilities allow me to give my patient the finest care possible. I am glad to have begun my implant dentistry experience with PGDID”.
Student's Achievement
Dr Gwyneth Tan Zhi Meng from PGDID 1/21 Cohort did an oral presentation on “Immediate Implant Placement Using Densah Bur following atraumatic extraction” at Southeast Asia Young ITI Competition on 22 July 2023.
She adds that “IMU PGDID has offered me a good learning environment to be equipped with skills and knowledge to provide implant treatments to my patients. The programme has been supportive in their role in helping me start this journey as I continue to build more experiences. It has been a pleasure being a part of this programme”.
