PRESS RELEASE
Following reports concerning DTMD in Luxembourg, Leading Implant Centers highlights how dentists can assess credentials and make informed choices about their professional education.
Professional development requires an investment of money, time and trust. When the promised qualification comes into question, the consequences can be substantial. Following recent reporting on the Luxembourg-based continuing education provider DTMD, Leading Implant Centers is highlighting what dentists should consider when choosing training programmes and assessing the qualifications they offer. Dentists seeking to specialise in implant dentistry need reliable guidance when choosing their educational pathway.
On 2 September 2026, the German dental publication Zahnärztliche Mitteilungen reported the case of a dentist who had paid €31,000 for a part-time master’s programme in orthodontics at DTMD. According to statements from Luxembourg authorities cited in the article, the institution was neither recognised as a higher education institution nor authorised to independently award the academic degrees concerned. The article also describes difficulties involving university partnerships and reports an insolvency filing. In its response quoted in the report, DTMD attributes the situation to alleged breaches of contractual obligations by a partner university. This assessment is based on the zm report; Leading Implant Centers is not involved in investigating the case.
For Leading Implant Centers, the colleagues affected are the primary concern. Anyone enrolling in a programme in good faith should be able to establish precisely what qualification they will receive and what status it holds. Unclear or misleading information can jeopardise professional plans and undermine confidence in continuing dental education as a whole.
The reported case concerns an orthodontic programme. However, the question of how to identify credible qualification pathways is equally relevant to implant dentistry.
Before Enrolling: Verify Qualifications and Responsibilities
Leading Implant Centers recommends that dentists planning to specialise in implant dentistry clarify the following points before committing to a programme:
- Who awards the qualification? The university awarding the degree or the organisation issuing the credential should be clearly identified.
- What status does the qualification hold? Is it an academic degree, a continuing education certificate or a credential awarded by a professional society?
- Can recognition and partnerships be independently verified? Claims should be confirmable directly with the named university and the relevant authorities.
- How is clinical competence taught and assessed? Clear learning objectives, supervised practical training, documented clinical cases and transparent assessment requirements are essential.
- What does the contract guarantee? The qualification, total costs and arrangements in the event of programme changes or discontinuation should be set out in writing.
Leading Implant Centers believes that an educational programme earns trust by answering these questions clearly and verifiably. Providers promoting a particular qualification should explain its significance and limitations as clearly as they describe the course content.
Professional Societies Can Provide Guidance
Dentists exploring continuing education in implant dentistry can also look to established professional societies. The International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI), for example, offers international educational events and opportunities for professional exchange. Its credentialing programmes, including Fellowship and Diplomate, are based on published requirements encompassing documented clinical experience and continuing education. These professional society credentials are distinct from academic master’s degrees. Details of the respective requirements are available on the ICOI website.
Leading Implant Centers lists ICOI as a network partner. This collaboration supports professional exchange; a partnership does not automatically qualify individual practitioners for admission to the expert network. Selection takes place independently against defined criteria. Further information on LIC partnerships
Building Trust Through Clear Information
Leading Implant Centers regards clear explanations of professional qualifications as part of its role. Admission to the network involves a professional review by its medical advisory board, considering factors such as specialisation, clinical experience, case volume and continuing education. This review determines eligibility for network membership; it is not a government-issued certification. Further information on the medical advisory board
By sharing this guidance, Leading Implant Centers aims to help dentists make informed educational decisions. It also seeks to help patients understand what a stated qualification actually represents. Transparent requirements and verifiable evidence strengthen trust on both sides.
