Maltese dentist Neil Schembri was recently awarded a Master of Science degree in dental implantology by the University of Bristol, graduating with distinction.

Dental implants have revolutionised the oral rehabilitation of partially and fully edentulous patients.

His dissertation assessed whether any correlations could be identified between the implant’s insertional torque, bone density and failure and then assessed the implications of these findings in relation to the implant loading schemes available.

Schembri devised an implant prognosis table which acts as a visual aid providing inexperienced clinicians the ability to decide on the implant’s loading protocol thus helping to prevent implant failure.

The research carried out was partly funded by the Malta Government Scholarship Scheme.