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Implant dentistry is a rapidly evolving field, and for many doctors, the journey to proficiency can take many different forms. This is the philosophy behind Implant Pathway, founded by Dr. Justin D. Moody. More than just a continuing education program, Implant Pathway provides live patient implant training with a hands-on mentorship model that supports dentists far beyond the classroom.
A Vision for Transforming Education in Implant Dentistry
Dr. Moody’s journey to establishing Implant Pathway was born out of a deep passion for both implant dentistry and teaching. “Our journey to creating Implant Pathway was really going from a love of teaching but primarily based in private practice to going to a model of, ‘I’m going to teach and mentor doctors as the majority of my practice and then some little private practice on the side.’”
Founded in 2015, Implant Pathway began offering live implant training in Phoenix in 2017. The program has since grown and evolved, culminating in its recent move to a new state-of-the-art facility in October 2023. This expansion was made in partnership with New Horizon’s Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing essential dental care to underserved patients in the greater Phoenix area and beyond. This partnership aligns perfectly with Implant Pathway’s mission: “to train doctors with live implant training and direct over-the-shoulder mentor supervision,” making it a “win-win situation for all.”
Why the Name “Implant Pathway”?
The name “Implant Pathway” was carefully chosen to reflect the different paths that dentists take in their implant education journey. “Everybody kind of takes a different path to get from point A to point B. Some people’s path is doing a little bit of implants back in their private practice to, you know, that’s all they want to do in their practice,” says Dr. Moody. Some doctors complete the program in just a few months, while others take a year or longer. Regardless of the timeline, the program is structured to support every learner’s unique journey.
The Defining Feature: Live Patient Education
What sets Implant Pathway apart from other continuing education courses in the United States is its focus on live patient education. “It’s one thing to learn the didactic portion of it from a book, online modules, even sitting in a class and doing hands-on exercises on models,” explains Dr. Moody. “It’s another thing to work on a real human, where they bleed and you have to get them numb and put sutures in.”
Unlike many other CE programs that rely solely on simulations, Implant Pathway ensures that every participant gains real-world experience through direct patient care. The program maintains a one-to-one mentor-to-student ratio, meaning that “you’re never out on an island, you’re never waiting for someone to come into your room to check or ask for you to ask questions.” This hands-on approach builds confidence and skill mastery in a way that traditional coursework simply cannot match.
A Mentorship Model That Extends Beyond the Classroom
Mentorship is the backbone of Implant Pathway. Dr. Moody and his team have cultivated a unique environment where mentors are deeply invested in their students' success. “Our group of mentors is second to none in the world,” he states. “What makes it so unique is their willingness to give of themselves—not only to support the doctors while they’re in the course and doing the procedures, but our mentorship goes long beyond it.”
Unlike traditional CE courses where the relationship between instructor and student ends at the conclusion of the class, Implant Pathway fosters long-term mentorship. Attendees leave with direct access to their mentors via Instagram, email, and phone. “The mentors, they reply, they look out after them, they follow up with them… and they become friends, they become colleagues.” This culture of support ensures that learning doesn’t stop when the course ends—it becomes an ongoing journey of improvement and growth.
The Evolution of Mentorship: From Student to Teacher
One of the most powerful aspects of Implant Pathway is the opportunity for graduates to become mentors themselves. Many of the current mentors were once students who went through the program and returned to give back. “We’ve now had doctors that have gone through the program that meet the criteria for being a mentor and now start coming as a mentor,” says Dr. Moody.
This cycle of learning and teaching creates a dynamic educational environment. When new students see former attendees now acting as mentors, it builds confidence and reinforces the idea that excellence in implant dentistry is achievable. “It gives them goals because I think it satisfies a really human desire to help others—not just the patients, but to help other dentists be the best version of themselves.”
A Structured Path to Mastery
Implant Pathway offers a structured progression, allowing doctors to expand their skills at their own pace. “Some people will stay in their lane and do singles and easier cases and supplement their regular dentistry with some implant dentistry,” Dr. Moody explains. “Some people will find that surgery really drives them, and that’s their desire to do more of those procedures.”
The program is designed to accommodate all levels, from those looking to add single-tooth implants to their practice to those who want to specialize in complex full-arch cases. “As you move into that world of more complex cases, it requires more in-depth knowledge, and it also makes the live surgical component even that much more important.”
A Community of Learning and Growth
Beyond in-person training, Implant Pathway offers an online study club platform where attendees can post cases, receive real-time feedback, and engage with a community of like-minded professionals. “That, to me, is the path to the more difficult cases,” says Dr. Moody. The study club is another way that the program continues to support students long after they have completed their initial training.
The Future of Implant Education
As implant dentistry continues to advance, programs like Implant Pathway are shaping the future of education in this field. By prioritizing real-world experience, mentorship, and long-term professional support, Implant Pathway provides doctors with the skills and confidence needed to excel in implant dentistry.
For those looking to take the next step in their implant journey, Implant Pathway offers an unparalleled opportunity. As Dr. Moody puts it, “As a teacher and a mentor, my job is to get people excited about implant dentistry, to get them off the sidelines and into the game.”
To learn more about Implant Pathway and upcoming courses, visit Implant Pathway or call (888) 309-2423.
