Tightening the screws on implant providers

The landscape of implant dentistry in British Columbia just changed significantly, and if you haven't already, it's time to take note. As of June 30, 2025, our regulatory body, the British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP), has implemented unified professional guidelines and standards for dental implant dentistry. Given the complexity and associated risks of our work, this is a move that, for lack of a better term, is "tightening the screws" on all of us. Him him

These new guidelines are comprehensive. They're no longer just general suggestions; they are the new standard of care. They provide detailed requirements that we must meet in key areas:

· Education and Training: We are now required to demonstrate competency in implant dentistry, backed by specific post-graduate training, continuing education, and proven experience in both surgical and prosthetic phases.

· Patient Assessment and Selection: A thorough medical history review is more critical than ever. This means meticulously documenting systemic conditions, medications, smoking habits—anything that can influence osseointegration and healing. Our risk assessment must be rigorous, factoring in the patient's overall health and local factors.

· Treatment Planning & Informed Consent: This is where we need to be flawless. We are now held to a higher standard for obtaining truly informed consent. This means comprehensive discussions—not just a signature—about risks, benefits, alternatives, prognosis, and potential complications specific to the implant treatment we're proposing.

· Documentation and Accountability: Meticulous, detailed, and accurate documentation is no longer a suggestion; it’s a requirement. From the initial consultation and consent to every surgical note, prosthetic detail, and ongoing maintenance, we will be held accountable for our records.

Many of us rely on our all-in-one practice management systems, but let's be honest—they often fall short when it comes to the comprehensive level of detail these new regulations demand. They might track some medical info, but they don’t appear to be as robust as we now need.

Fortunately, there are tools emerging to help. I've found an inexpensive app, "PREP," that specifically addresses these new regulations, which appears to be a necessary supplement to our current software.

The public today is more informed than ever. They are doing their research and expect their providers to be experienced, competent, and knowledgeable about the services we're offering. The BCCOHP is responding to this by upgrading our professional standards. This

isn't just a BC thing either; dental regulatory bodies everywhere are moving in a similar direction.

To avoid disciplinary actions and litigation from dissatisfied patients, the message is clear: We must be proactive. Let's all be checking our local dental regulatory body websites for the most current and official versions of their Professional Standards and any relevant Practice Standards or Guidance documents. Our due diligence now will prevent significant headaches and professional risk down the road.

Dr. Harold Bergman, DDS, Dipl.OS&A, MScD(Pathology)