All posts
.webp)
At Implant Pathway, we believe dentistry should be more than just a job. It should be a craft that transforms lives, not only for patients but for doctors as well. We’ve seen it happen time and time again: a dentist walks into our classroom burned out or unsure, and by the end of the week, walks out with fire in their heart and purpose in their hands.
That’s what this story is about.
Dr. Justin D. Moody started Implant Pathway because he believed in a better way to train doctors in implant dentistry—through hands-on experience with live patients, real mentorship, and a supportive community that sticks with you long after the course ends. We’re proud to say over 2,000 dentists have placed more than 40,000 implants through our programs. Together, we’ve donated millions of dollars in care to patients who needed it most.
But our story isn’t just about numbers. It’s about people—like Dr. Steven, one of our original mentors, whose journey reminds us why we do what we do.
A Burned-Out Dentist Turned Implant Nerd
Before joining Implant Pathway, Dr. Steven had already practiced dentistry for 20 years. He had worked in the military, in private practice, and had done it all—exams, fillings, extractions. But at some point, it stopped being exciting. The burnout was real.
“I had been doing dentistry for so long,” he said, “I was just bored to tears.”
But as is often the case, burnout sparked the beginning of something new. He began referring his own implant cases out to specialists. Over time, he noticed that the restorative outcomes didn’t always align with his vision of quality, comprehensive care. That mismatch lit a fuse.
That’s when he started diving into implantology—not just attending lectures, but absorbing everything he could. Courses, maxi programs, models, even cadavers. But something was missing.
“I had become an excellent plastic model surgeon,” he told us, “but I still hadn’t laid hands on a breathing human being yet.”
The Life-Changing Power of Mentorship
Everything changed when he met Dr. Moody. In one of his early courses, he leaned over and guided his hands during his very first live implant case. That was the moment everything clicked.
It’s one thing to learn theory. It’s another to have someone by your side—mentoring you, encouraging you, reminding you that you're doing just fine even as you navigate bone for the first time. That’s exactly what Implant Pathway offers. When doctors come to us, we match them with mentors like Stephenia—people who’ve walked this path and are passionate about guiding others through it.
And here’s the truth: that kind of mentorship is priceless.
We don’t just assign someone to watch over you. We lean in—literally and figuratively—so that when you drill through that cortical plate for the first time, you feel supported, confident, and safe.
We’re More Than a Course—We’re a Community
At Implant Pathway, our mentors are hand-selected for two things: clinical excellence and genuine passion for teaching. You can be a great surgeon, but that doesn’t mean you’re a great teacher. We make sure our mentors are both.
We’ve created a space where doctors can learn without judgment. No egos. No posturing. Just a shared passion for growing together.
When you walk into our classrooms on Day 1, it’s normal to feel nervous or unsure. We get it. But by the end of the week, something magical happens. The lights come on. Confidence soars. And we see it in your eyes: you’re ready.
From Antarctica to the Persian Gulf: Experience That Inspires
Dr. Steven’s story also reminds us how life shapes practice. Before joining us, he spent over two decades in both the Navy and Air Force, serving in places like Antarctica and the Persian Gulf.
He was the only dentist on a continent—yes, Antarctica—where he managed care for Navy personnel, civilians, and anyone else who needed help. Talk about pressure.
That experience taught him discipline, humility, and the value of focused education. The military taught him to never give up—to respond to challenges with resilience and purpose. And he brings that philosophy to every course she teaches.
“When I came out of dental school,” he told us, “I was undisciplined. But the military helped me channel my energy, sharpen my skills, and develop a conservative, fact-based approach that patients could trust.”
It’s no surprise that many of our mentors have similarly deep backgrounds, both clinically and personally. Those life experiences help shape the culture at Implant Pathway—a culture of perseverance, respect, and service.
Healing Faster, Feeling Better: Why We Use PRF
One of the biggest tools we use at Implant Pathway—and in our private practices—is PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin).
Why? Because it makes everything better.
PRF is made from a patient’s own blood. After drawing a small sample, we spin it in a centrifuge to separate out growth factors, which we then place directly into the surgical site. The result?
- Less pain
- Faster healing
- Better tissue regeneration
As Dr. Steven puts it, “Guys in their 40s aren’t usually the best dental patients. But one of them told me after PRF surgery, ‘I’d rather do that again than get a filling!’ That’s how powerful this stuff is.”
And it’s not just about patient outcomes. PRF helps build your practice. When patients experience smoother recoveries and hear you talk about using their own biology to heal—well, they tell their friends. They talk about you. And they trust you.
Restoring More Than Smiles
Dental implants aren’t just about teeth. They’re about identity, confidence, dignity. We’ve had patients cry when they see their new smile for the first time—and more often than not, we’re crying with them.
For so many people, missing teeth means hiding. It means avoiding social situations, avoiding food, and avoiding life. We help give that back.
From a dentist’s perspective, it’s just as impactful. We’ve had doctors tell us that treating implant patients reignited their passion for dentistry—that it reminded them why they got into this field in the first place.
When someone walks through our doors afraid to smile and walks out grinning from ear to ear, it changes them. And it changes us too.
Why Implant Pathway Stands Apart
We’re proud to be one of the first organizations in the U.S. offering live-patient mentorship. We don’t just teach theory—we get your hands in the mouth. You’ll extract, graft, place, and restore under the watchful eye of mentors who’ve been where you are.
We’ve had attendees tell us they weren’t sure they were ready. Some were specialists outside surgery. Others were general dentists looking to expand their skill set. But once they’re in the clinic, doing the work with us by their side? They don’t want to stop.
This isn’t by accident. We’ve spent over a decade refining our formula—listening to our students, improving our systems, and building a program that delivers real confidence, not just CE credits.
And our support doesn’t end when you leave.
Every one of our attendees receives contact info for our mentors. Text us. Call us. Ask for help. Whether it’s a tricky case or a moment of doubt, we’ll talk you off the ledge or guide you through it.
We don’t disappear. Because once you’re with Implant Pathway, you’re family.
To New Dentists: Keep Showing Up
If you’re a new dentist—especially one curious about implants—our biggest advice is this: never stop learning.
Dental school teaches you how to pass boards. We’ll teach you how to practice.
Take courses. Shadow mentors. Explore different techniques. And even if you’re not great at it at first (most of us weren’t), stick with it. The light will come on. Your patients will notice. Your confidence will grow.
As Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” And in our field, it changes lives—yours included.
Join Us at Implant Pathway
At Implant Pathway, we’re not just teaching implant dentistry—we’re changing lives. Through mentorship, community, and relentless commitment to excellence, we’ve helped thousands of doctors transform their practices and their patients’ lives.
We invite you to join us in 2025. Our courses—both domestic and international Fast Tracks—are filling fast. So whether you’re brand new to implants or ready to take your skills to the next level, let us help you get there.
Call us at (888) 309-2423 or visit ImplantPathway.com to enroll.
From all of us at Implant Pathway, we can’t wait to welcome you!
.avif)
