With many implant dentistry courses available, we asked Tran Minh Cuong, DDS, why he chose the ITI Curriculum (Foundation level online) and how it has helped him advance in his implant dentistry career.
How long have you been in the dental field?
It has been nearly four years since I graduated with a DDS from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. I am also currently enrolled in the PhD program at the Tokyo Medical and Dental University in Japan.
What are you currently doing?
I am working on research at the Tokyo Medical and Dental University. Before coming to Japan, I practiced at the Faculty of Odonto-Stomatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
What other dental training have you had?
I finished an extensive six-month training course on fundamental maxillofacial surgery in Vietnam in 2017. In 2019, I participated in the 61st international course for flap-raising and microsurgery in Bochum, Germany.
Do you already place dental implants?
I have never performed implant placement alone. However, I have had many opportunities to assist colleagues in implant treatment.
What do you enjoy most about implant dentistry?
I am passionate about implant dentistry as part of reconstructive surgery, with the continuous breakthroughs in tissue engineering regarding bone regeneration employing biologics, membranes and bone grafting materials.
What is currently your biggest challenge in your daily work?
What I find particularly challenging is the lack of standardized protocols and guidelines in the industry.
Why did you choose the ITI Curriculum?
The ITI has a strong reputation as an international team of renowned implant dentistry specialists. Also, its flexible learning platform allows me to manage my learning effectively at my own pace.
How have you found the educational content?
I found the educational content incredibly impressive. The ITI Curriculum provides a structured resource of scientifically-based principles. At the end of each lecture there is an assessment that I found very helpful in consolidating my knowledge, and I could take it as many times as I wished.
What has been the key benefit for you?
The most critical advantage is the convenience of the e-learning platform. It provides me with optimal flexibility for my study schedule; I can learn at my own pace with online access. I found this terrifically helpful.
What other features of the program did you find particularly helpful and why?
This program has an internationally standardized curriculumwith broad evidence-based knowledge in a very structured approach, divided into specific domains. I found this very reliable and useful, allowing me to easily manage my learning pathway.
Has the ITI Curriculum helped you to meet challenges in your daily work?
I have become more confident in the fundamental principles and science of implant dentistry, as well as in the clinical knowledge required for patient assessment, treatment planning, surgical protocols and restorations.
To what extent has taking the ITI Curriculum influenced your career so far?
The ITI Curriculum has inspired me a lot in my learning pathway. I feel like my level of confidence doubled after the course! Specifically it benefited me by providing qualified theoretical standards – through which I acquired a lot of valuable and essential information – in preparation for the clinical aspects of implant treatment.
Would you recommend the ITI Curriculum to peers?
Why not! If you want a standardized foundation for your implant dentistry path, I really recommend you go for it.
