The importance of planning

The big plan

It's a cliché that if you 'fail to plan, you'll plan to fail' but, in my opinion, it's a mantra that should never be ignored in the world of implant surgery.

Planning is without doubt one of the most important parts in the implant process. In my clinic we are so strict about the planning process we created bespoke tick-box surgical sheets so that every single detail in the patient's implant journey is minuted and monitored in a fashion that we feel is the best.

Currently the Training Standards for Implant Dentistry require that we audit outcomes of all implant work. As well as the clinical notes I use our comprehensive, bespoke tick-box report form which is then scanned into the patient's notes. Information contained is then inserted into the Association of Dental Implantology UK's audit programme as well – thus ensuring we know what we do works.

Patient focus

The patient is our priority in everything we do and I believe it's important to fully examine the patient journey – checking how they found you, ensuring the website information is current and helpful. It's important that the team is educated to ensure that information they share with patients is spot-on at all times. Ensure that informed consent is obtained for every stage of treatment.