scope of dental implants in general practice

General dentists in several countries can place implants after receiving training in implantology, courses are available in various modules , weekend courses etc, in a recent survey it was found that more and more general practitioners are placing and restoring their own cases.(http://thewealthydentist.com/surveyresults/20_dentalimplants_results.htm/

The situation in india is no different , as a general dentist trained in implantology I am  able to schedule my cases according to my convenience and time,since I am already providing general dental care to my patient, I can better understand his/her perceptions and expectations.Patients too are more receptive but of course the general practitioner should have sufficient exposure to be able to handle the clinical scenario presented.

We should spend time on presurgical evaluation and not hesitate in ordering dentascans ,lateral cephs or OPGs, they do burden the patients pocket but provide valuable information which might be missed out in routine x rays, and can have positive bearing on the final outcome.