Dental specialists trained in surgical procedures including dental implants are known as oral surgeons. They are sometimes called maxillofacial surgeons.
Becoming an oral surgeon requires two to four years of undergraduate study, four years of being a post-graduate dental student, and four to six years of hospital residency. General dentists may or may not have advanced medical degrees while all oral surgeons are required to complete residency on top of the four years of dental school.
Oral surgeons can also become certified by the federally recognized agency known as the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS). While not a requirement, certification is an expression of dedication and experience on the surgeon’s part that should be prioritized in your search for a qualified oral surgeon to perform your implant procedure.