Tougher implant laws to hit industry hard

Tighter laws are on the cards for dentists wishing to practice implantology in Dubai, MED has learnt.

A proposed change in policy will require dentists to complete 100 hours of implantology study and to present completed case reports, before being permitted to sit for the oral licensing exam.

Currently, dentists only require 96 hours of study to meet the requirements for the test.

The move is set to infuriate local product companies, who have previously complained of the United Arab Emirate's excessive licensing requirements.

Industry-led courses are likely to be most affected by the ruling, as most are structured to ensure dentists clock up the 96 hours.

"Most of these courses would not be recognised," said Dr Elhami Nicolas, of Nicolas & Asp College of Postgraduate Dentistry. "It is a positive change. People were not receiving adequate education."

The news will be a particular blow for Zimmer Dental whose upcoming course, held through Sharjah University's College of Dentistry, aimed to fast-track local dentists to license level.

Dr Dareen Amer of Al Mazroui, Zimmer's local agent, said "Many dentists participate for the hours. We even offer trial-run exams at the end of the course."

The tighter controls will further split licensing requirements across the UAE, said Roland Yammine, an implant product specialist for Gulf & World Traders. "Licensing is divided under the three health authorities. A dentist is qualified for one, and unable to work under another."

Yammine said that any change to licensing should include a review of the oral exam. "It can be biased. It's very hit and miss."