Credentials Matter
Dental implantology is not a recognized dental specialty. So what separates a highly trained implant dentist from the rest?
Who Can Place Dental Implants?
Here's something most patients don't know: there is no recognized dental specialty in implantology. The American Dental Association (ADA) does not recognize implant dentistry as a distinct specialty — it's classified as a treatment modality.
That means anyone who holds a DDS degree can place and restore dental implants — provided they are properly trained. This includes:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (OMFS) — surgical placement, complex bone grafting, sinus lifts
- Periodontists — implant placement, tissue regeneration, managing peri-implant disease
- Prosthodontists — treatment planning, restoration design, full-arch reconstruction
- General Dentists with advanced implant training
The difference isn't the degree — it's the training, the case experience, and the credentialing behind it.
How Do You Know Who's Truly Qualified?
Since there is no official specialty board for implant dentistry, only two major organizations award credentials based on documented education hours and case presentations:
The ICOI Credentialing Hierarchy
The ICOI recognizes three progressive levels of achievement, each requiring documented case experience, continuing education, and peer review.
Fellowship
FICOIMinimum 20 completed implant cases (surgical or restorative), 75 hours of implant-specific continuing education, and a baseline case review.
Mastership
MICOIMinimum 40 completed cases demonstrating advanced techniques, plus 150 hours of implant continuing education.
Diplomate
DICOIHighest HonorThe highest honor. Minimum 60 advanced cases, 250 hours of implant CE, significant contributions to the field (lecturing, publishing, or teaching), and passing a rigorous written and oral examination by a review board.
Dr. Vuong's Credential
Diplomate, International Congress of Oral Implantologists (DICOI)
Dr. Anthony Vuong has been an ICOI Diplomate — the highest credential the organization offers — for over 25 years.
This is not a specialty designation, because no such specialty exists. But it is the closest thing the profession offers to objective, third-party validation of advanced implant training and experience — verified through documented cases, continuing education, peer review, and a comprehensive written and oral examination.
And it's a standard he has maintained continuously since August 29, 2000 — a quarter century of ongoing case documentation and commitment to the highest standard in implant dentistry.