Home Dental Implants Veneers Blog Providers
Home›Dental Implants›Credentials
Patient Guide

Dental Implant Credentials Guide

How to verify your implant specialist is properly trained and qualified.

Which Specialists Place Implants?

SpecialistTrainingRole in Implants
Prosthodontist3-year residency after dental schoolCrown design, restoration, full-mouth planning
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon4–6 year residency after dental schoolSurgical placement, bone grafting, complex cases
Periodontist3-year residency after dental schoolImplant placement, gum tissue management
General Dentist w/ trainingContinuing education coursesSimple single implants (varies by experience)

Our directory lists 29,436 implant specialists across the US, including board-certified Prosthodontists, Oral Surgeons, and Periodontists.

Key Certifications to Look For

  • Board certification — ADA-recognized specialty board (ABP, ABOMS, ABPerio)
  • AAID membership — American Academy of Implant Dentistry
  • ICOI fellowship — International Congress of Oral Implantologists
  • ADA membership — baseline professional association

Questions to Ask Your Provider

  1. How many implants have you placed? (Look for 100+ single implants or 20+ All-on-4 cases)
  2. Are you board certified in a recognized specialty?
  3. What implant brand do you use? (Nobel Biocare, Straumann, Zimmer are top brands)
  4. What is your implant success rate?
  5. Can I see before-and-after photos of similar cases?
  6. Do you handle both placement and restoration, or refer out?
  7. What happens if the implant fails?

Red Flags to Avoid

  • Unusually low pricing (below $1,500 for a complete implant)
  • Pressure to decide immediately without a proper treatment plan
  • No before-and-after photos available
  • General dentist with minimal implant training performing complex cases
  • No clear warranty or follow-up plan

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of dentist is best for implants?
Prosthodontists, Oral Surgeons, and Periodontists are the most qualified. Each brings different expertise — many complex cases involve a team of specialists.
Should I see a specialist or general dentist for implants?
For single implants, an experienced general dentist may be fine. For All-on-4, bone grafting, or complex cases, see a board-certified specialist.
How do I verify a dentist credentials?
Check the ADA website, your state dental board, and specialty board websites (ABP, ABOMS, ABPerio). Our directory shows each provider specialty.
Related Guides
Dental implants > CostDental implants > TypesDental implants > Recovery

Ready to Find a Specialist?

Search 29,436 verified dental implant and veneer specialists across 50 states.

Browse Implant Specialists Browse Veneer Specialists