FELLOWSHIP EXAMINATION GUIDELINES

Fellowship examination in Implantology conducted by the Indian Association of Oral Implantology (IAOI) aims to assess and certify the competency of dental professionals in the field of dental implants. The examination will evaluate clinical expertise, knowledge, and the ability to manage implant-related procedures effectively and safely.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To be eligible for the Fellowship Examination in Implantology, candidates must meet the following requirements:

Qualifications:

The candidate must be a registered dentist with a valid license to practice in India (BDS, MDS, or equivalent).

Training and experience requirements:

• Completion of a recognized implantology training program of at least 1-year duration (post graduate level or equivalent) from an accredited institution or recognized training centre. (preferrable )
• Proof of having placed a minimum of 20 implants in various clinical situations, including but not limited to single-tooth replacement, multiple tooth replacement, and full-arch rehabilitation. ( Submission of log book )

• Submission of a detailed portfolio of at least 10 cases (5 mandatory cases involving different clinical conditions, 5 additional cases of the candidate’s choice).
• Each case must include the following:
• Patient demographics: Age, medical history, dental history.
• Clinical examination findings: Soft tissue and bone evaluation, radiographic findings.
• Treatment plan: Indications for implants, alternatives considered, and rationale for treatment choice.
• Surgical procedure: Detailed description of the surgical technique used, including implant system, implant placement, and any complications.
• Follow-up and maintenance: Post-surgical care, complications if any, follow-up visits, and long-term results ( 1 year preferable )
• Photographs and Radiographs: Pre-operative, intra-operative (if applicable), and post operative images. X-rays must include panoramic views and periapical radiographs for each case. Digital data on design, prosthesis planning , CBCT images shall be highly appreciated.
• Evidence of patient consent for publication and presentation of cases.

Continuing education:

Proof of participation in at least 30 hours of continuing education (CE) related to implantology during the past 2 years with IAOI. This could include courses, seminars, workshops, or webinars conducted by IAOI or recognized implantology bodies.

EXAMINATION METHODOLOGY

• Credit points by attending various IAOI activities
• Case Submission on detailed documentation of 10 cases, including pre-op, intra-op, and
  post-op records.
• Oral examination by a panel of experts to assess clinical knowledge and decision-making skills.

The Fellowship Examination will be conducted in two stages: Case Review and Clinical Assessment.

The Case Review and Clinical Assessment is designed to test the candidate’s theoretical knowledge of implantology. It will include the following sections:

• Basic implantology concepts (Anatomy, Biomechanics, Implant Materials)
• Clinical applications (Treatment planning, Case selection, Surgical techniques)
• Complications and management (Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative complications, long-term maintenance)
• Recent advances in implantology (Technology, Materials, Surgical innovations)
• Duration: 30 mins
• Clinical Assessment – (40 marks)

The clinical assessment will evaluate the candidate’s practical ability to handle implant cases, both in theoretical knowledge and clinical application.

1.  Case presentation: (40 marks) I)

• Candidates will present 5 selected cases (from their case documentation) to an examination panel.
• The panel will evaluate the clinical decision-making process, diagnostic abilities, treatment planning, and patient management.

2. Oral Viva: (20 marks)

• The candidate will undergo an oral viva conducted by an expert panel of implantologists.
• The viva will cover theoretical concepts, case discussions, treatment options, handling complications, and long-term follow-up care.

3. Assessment criteria:

• Clinical Skills: Surgical precision, implant placement, management of complications, and adherence to protocols.
• Knowledge: Ability to explain theoretical concepts, implant systems, and materials.
• Patient management: Professionalism, patient communication, and informed consent processes.
• Documentation and Case Presentation: Thoroughness, clarity, and accuracy in presenting clinical cases.

Passing Criteria: Successful demonstration of clinical skills and knowledge with a minimum score of
60% in the clinical assessment. (60/100 marks).

EXAMINATION FEE AND REGISTRATION

• Fees: Application fees : Rs 5000 ( To be paid at the time of submission )
• Examination committee charges : Rs 5000 ( To be paid at the time of Review )
• Credentialling & Award at IAOI National conference : Rs 15000 ( To be paid along with the conference registration )

CERTIFICATION

Upon successful completion of the clinical assessments, candidates will be awarded the Fellowship in Implantology by the Indian Board of Oral Implantology (IBI) under the auspices of th Indian Association of Implantologists ( IAOI ) . This certification will be valid for 2 years, after which the candidate must renew their fellowship by fulfilling the Continuing Education requirements set by the IAOI.

EVALUATION AND RESULTS

• The results of the fellowship examination will be announced 2 weeks after the examination.
• A candidate who fails to meet the minimum requirements in one or both stages may be eligible for a re-examination after 6 months, subject to additional training and preparation.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Candidates must adhere to the following ethical guidelines during the examination process:

• Maintain professional behavior and respect for fellow candidates, patients, and examiners.
• Follow all ethical and legal requirements regarding patient confidentiality.
• Any form of malpractice, including plagiarism, cheating, or falsification of records, will result in immediate disqualification from the fellowship examination.

The IAOI Fellowship Examination in Implantology is designed to ensure that practitioners possess the necessary theoretical knowledge, clinical skills, and ethical standards to provide high-quality implant care. By following these guidelines, candidates can demonstrate their readiness for advanced practice in implantology.

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