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At Implant Pathway, we’ve seen hundreds of general dentists go from curious to confident, including our very own Dr. Steven Vorhold, who transformed his practice (and his life) by leaning into one of the most rewarding parts of dentistry: dental implants.
If you’re a GP who’s itching to do more surgery, who’s getting tired of routine fillings and hygiene checks, or who simply wants to offer more for your patients — this blog is for you.
Because your implant journey doesn’t have to be long, lonely, or slow. With the right training, mentorship, and community, it can be the most exciting, fulfilling, and profitable decision of your dental career.
Here’s what we’ve learned and how we help.
Discovering What You Actually Love in Dentistry
When Dr. Vorhold first started practicing in Ohio, he was seeing it all: toddlers, teens, adults, and older patients. It was full-scope general dentistry, and from the outside, things looked great.
But internally, he began to realize that implant cases were the ones he most looked forward to.
The beauty of dentistry is that it allows you to specialize, even within general practice. You can build your schedule and your skillset around the patients you love treating most.
That’s what Dr. Vorhold did with support from Implant Pathway and encouragement from mentors like Dr. Justin Moody. They encouraged him to do what he loved, ultimately leading him to pursue Diplomate status with the American Board of Oral Implantology.
This kind of shift in focus isn’t unusual. Many GPs find themselves drawn to procedures that allow them to be more hands-on, think surgically, and solve complex problems. Implants provide that creative and clinical satisfaction and they allow you to change lives in a very tangible way.
The Mistake Most GPs Make When They Start Placing Implants
Like many dentists, Dr. Vorhold started with a short weekend course and a couple of model-based exercises. He ordered an implant kit and jumped in.
It worked but it was a hard way to learn.
He later realized that starting with a course that included live surgery and real-time mentorship would have been a better choice. Having someone there to offer immediate guidance would have accelerated his growth and confidence.
That’s why our curriculum emphasizes hands-on education and direct access to mentors.
We’ve worked with many dentists who have a similar story: they started with a kit, placed a few implants on their own, ran into challenges, and then came to us looking for structure and support. You don’t have to go it alone. In fact, you’ll grow faster and safer if you don’t.
The Value of Learning From Active Clinicians
One of our core beliefs is that implant training should come from doctors who are still actively placing implants. Techniques evolve. Tools change. Standards shift.
Mentors who are practicing every week are tuned into the latest developments — and that benefits everyone they teach.
Teaching, in turn, pushes mentors to stay sharp. It creates a dynamic where both the student and instructor grow.
This is especially important in implant dentistry, where new technologies, like guided surgery, digital workflows, and advanced grafting materials, are rapidly changing the landscape. The mentors you’ll work with at Implant Pathway are engaged in that evolution. They’re adapting and learning alongside you, and that’s the kind of mentorship that makes a difference.
The Implant Pathway Study Club: Always On, Always There
The Implant Pathway Study Club is our interactive, always-on community designed to keep you learning well after a course ends. It’s not just a resource hub—it’s a living, breathing network of like-minded professionals who are all working to grow in implant dentistry, just like you.
Whether you’re on your lunch break or prepping for a surgery, you can log in and get access to a wide range of tools and support:
- Live case reviews and treatment planning — Submit your cases, watch real-time walkthroughs, and learn from how other clinicians approach surgical and restorative challenges.
- Mini courses and deep-dive videos — Watch on your own time, at your own pace. Topics range from full-arch workflows to socket preservation techniques.
- A growing archive of complications and technique walkthroughs — See real-world examples of what can go wrong, and how to handle it.
- Access to mentors for real-time feedback — You’re never alone. Ask questions, share progress, and get support from experienced doctors and faculty who’ve been there.
It’s a place where you can grow your skills, troubleshoot tricky cases, and stay connected to a vibrant and supportive implant community. You can browse past cases, search by topic, or even just watch and learn.
And with the first 30 days free, there’s no barrier to getting started. It’s a zero-risk way to invest in your success and see if the Study Club is the right fit for your journey.
How to Get the Most From the Study Club
After joining, we encourage members to:
- Introduce themselves: share your training background and where you’re at in your implant journey
- Explore topics of interest, from sinus lifts to single-tooth cases
- Visit the complications section — one of the richest resources in the club
- Start posting questions or sharing your own cases
It’s a supportive environment, whether you’re placing your first implant or your five-thousandth.
Why You Need to Learn Implant Complications Before They Happen
Too often, dentists wait until something goes wrong before studying complications. That can turn a manageable issue into a major stressor.
Dr. Vorhold has taught dentists at all stages, including some who hadn’t yet placed an implant. And those who take the time to understand complications early are often more confident when they do step into surgery.
Our two-day Implant Complications Course walks you through what to expect, what to avoid, and how to handle challenges when they arise.
The Cost of Not Knowing: Emotional & Financial Burnout
Complications can take a toll.
From open incisions and tissue management issues to implant failures or prosthetic planning mistakes, these cases don’t just cost time — they cost chair time, materials, and emotional energy.
Many dentists end up redoing work for free. That hits your schedule and your bottom line. Just one poorly handled full arch case can create thousands of dollars in rework or lab bills.
Knowing how to prevent these issues, and fix them when needed, protects your peace of mind and your practice.
When to Start Learning Advanced Techniques
There’s no single moment when you’re "ready" for sinus lifts or full arch cases. But if you're regularly referring out treatments you'd rather do yourself, or you feel limited in what you can offer, it's probably time to explore more advanced procedures.
We’ve seen GPs successfully move into advanced techniques after placing just a handful of implants. Others build slowly over years. What matters most is mindset, mentorship, and access to quality training.
Advanced procedures don’t just grow your skillset, they grow your practice. They let you say yes to more patients. They keep treatment in-house. And they give you the tools to solve complex cases that make a real difference in someone’s life.
No one regrets learning more, especially when it helps you serve patients better.
Why Session Two Is Different
Our Session Two course is built around a small-group format. We keep class sizes limited so that everyone gets the chance to interact, ask questions, and dive deep into hands-on learning.
When group sizes stay small, students feel more comfortable speaking up, and mentors can provide one-on-one feedback during surgical exercises and case discussions. We’ve designed the format specifically to allow for tangents, off-script learning moments, and personalized instruction.
Each participant gets access to hands-on practice using real models, treatment planning sessions, and case-based discussion that mirrors what they’ll face in their own practices. This immersive environment helps information stick.
This Community is Built to Grow With You
From the moment you join Implant Pathway — whether through the Study Club, a live course, or the Complications program — you become part of a movement.
It’s a community of general dentists committed to doing more, doing better, and doing it together.
There’s a reason our alumni stay involved long after their first course ends: they see the value, and they know we have their back.
Ready to Find Your Path?
Whether you’re just starting or ready to tackle more advanced procedures, Implant Pathway is here to support your growth.
- Courses offered in Scottsdale, AZ and nationwide
- Call us at (888) 309-2423
