After deciding to delve into the world of dental implants, Suzanne Wilbur, DMD, sought out a training program that would provide “a thorough education for the ideal surgical implant treatment.” As an Aspen Dental-supported provider, she didn’t have to look far.
The Aspen Group (TAG) offers a comprehensive implant continuum that trains dentists on the complete implant process from diagnosis to delivery. The 31-CE curriculum combines didactic learning with live, in-person surgical training in a hands-on learning experience. Students are guided by world-class implant experts and continue to receive support and guidance long after the training is complete.
“The thorough training included world-class instructors, good visual aids, and in-person lectures, and the hands-on instruction was incredible,” Dr. Wilbur shared. “The TAG facility, instructors, and patients selected made for an incredible learning experience,” she added. “I left with confidence and have been placing both freehand and surgically guided [implants] since completing the courses.”
Training Experience
The implant continuum introduces the basics of implantology in a self-paced, online setting, and then moves to 3 didactic in-person courses based on the diagnosis, treatment planning, and restoration of dental implants. After spending time restoring implants, clinicians attend the 3-day, in-person implant training experience, which includes placing implants on live patients at the TAG Oral Care Center for Excellence.
“I liked the clinical knowledge presented at the beginning of the course and admired the guided and freehand techniques being taught,” shared Dr. Clarence-Austin Hogan, and Dr. Phillip Logan Nelson Jr. said, “TAG provided a clear and obtainable outlet to receive quality implant training.”
Describing it as a “comprehensive and valuable learning experience,” Dr. Michael Reynolds applauded “the in-person opportunity to place implants in real-world scenarios.” Dr. Stephen Chan enjoyed the “hands-on training with actual patient care under the guidance of experienced clinicians” and “leveraging the latest technology in planning and surgical care.”
Calling the continuum “one of the best,” Dr. Krista Johnson enjoyed the “small class size and realistic patient experience.” Dr. Trevor Given liked the “shoulder-to-shoulder training and instant feedback to refine previous skills and build new ones.” He also mentioned that he’s glad his assistants received training as well. Several clinicians said they would appreciate 1 more day of hands-on training.
Instructor Knowledge & Support
“The excellent team of world-class surgeons and prosthodontists allows for immersion on the first day,” Dr. Wilbur said. Dr. Hogan noted he “learned a lot from 1-on-1 feedback from the instructors,” adding, “The mentors I had at the center were phenomenal. Not only did they teach implant placement, but they also troubleshooted any issues that arose during our clinical surgeries.”
Dr. Nelson praised the “fantastic staff and quality program design,” and Dr. Reynolds called the instructors “very knowledgeable and valuable.” Another dentist appreciated “the hands-on help from doctors as well as the continued support post-implant continuum.”
Dr. Chan remarked, “The unique opportunity to interact with and learn from experienced clinicians from both surgical and prosthetic backgrounds offered an unparalleled training experience.”
Practical Application of Knowledge in Practice
After completing the TAG implant continuum, Dr. Hogan said, “I was able to offer better options and a higher standard of care to patients the day I left the course.” Dr. Given expressed, “I went from placing no implants to placing 60 implants in 4 months,” and Dr. Aaron Crittendon said, “I have placed 30-plus implants after taking the course. It has given me confidence to treatment plan and execute implant placement.”
“I now place implants several times per week and have expanded my capability to offer patients the highest level of care while increasing my value as a provider,” Dr. Nelson reported. Similarly, Dr. Reynolds announced, “I feel very confident with treatment planning and placing implants in all scenarios,” and Dr. Jason Amani said, “Now, we can offer same-day implant placement with extraction.”
Explaining that the continuum allowed him to “become adept at using the latest technology and workflows,” Dr. Chan said, “I improved efficiency by reducing the time needed to implement the technology, shortened patient treatment time, and increased surgical precision.”
Overall Satisfaction
After completing the TAG implant training, Dr. Chan shared, “There is no other training program outside of a full residency that offers similar levels of exposure to clinical care, the latest advancements in technology, and support from experienced providers.“ Dr. Wilbur concluded, “I highly recommend the entire implant training continuum. I can’t imagine anything that would have improved my experience.”
