When people ask me what has had the biggest influence on my journey in implant dentistry, they often expect me to talk about technology.

After all, I’ve spent the last decade embracing digital workflows, becoming one of the first clinicians to introduce NaviDent Dynamic Navigation in India, and constantly exploring new advances in implantology. But the truth is, the greatest influence on my career hasn’t been a piece of technology.

It has been mentorship.

Every implantologist can remember the excitement of placing their first implant. Along with that excitement comes a sense of responsibility. You’re not just replacing a missing tooth. You’re restoring function, aesthetics, confidence and, in many cases, improving someone’s quality of life.

No textbook can prepare you for that responsibility.

The confidence to make sound clinical decisions comes from experience, and experience is often accelerated by learning from those who have already walked the path before you.

We are fortunate to practise in an era where information is available instantly. A young dentist can attend webinars hosted by international speakers, watch live surgeries online and access research papers with just a few clicks.

But information is not the same as wisdom.

Knowing how to place an implant is very different from knowing when to place one, when to delay treatment, when to graft, or when to refer a patient. These decisions come from judgement, and judgement develops through experience and mentorship.

Some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learnt never came from lecture slides. They came during case discussions, while assisting experienced surgeons, or from mentors who challenged me to think differently rather than simply giving me answers.

That is the true value of mentorship. It helps young clinicians develop confidence without compromising patient safety.

Over the years, my role has evolved from being a student to becoming a mentor. That transition has taught me that teaching is one of the best ways to continue learning.

In 2026, I had the privilege of mentoring twelve dentists who successfully achieved their ICOI Fellowship through our ICOI-accredited institute, Sahyog Maxillofacial Centre. Watching them grow in both clinical skills and decision-making has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.

Mentorship is never a one-way exchange. Every student brings fresh perspectives, asks thought-provoking questions and encourages me to continually refine my own approach.

As the Gujarat Head for the Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Education (AOME), I have the opportunity to create platforms where clinicians can learn through study circles, case discussions and shared experiences. I am equally excited about my growing involvement with AOMSI, where I look forward to mentoring the next generation of oral and maxillofacial surgeons and implantologists.

One of the greatest privileges of implant education is connecting with clinicians from across the world. In just the last four weeks, my journey has taken me to Ahmedabad, Indore, Singapore, Chennai and Kolkata. Every lecture, discussion and interaction has reinforced one belief; dentistry advances when knowledge is shared.

One of the biggest misconceptions about experienced clinicians is that they eventually know everything. In reality, the more you learn, the more you realise there is still to discover.

That mindset has inspired me to pursue a PhD while continuing full-time clinical practice and to contribute to an upcoming textbook on implantology. Research and writing challenge me to question existing concepts, stay current with evidence and continually improve the care I provide to my patients.

When I introduced NaviDent Dynamic Navigation into my practice nearly ten years ago, it was still considered a new concept by many clinicians. Today, digital planning and computer-assisted implant surgery have become part of everyday implant dentistry. Watching this transformation has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional journey. 

The next exciting chapter is robotics in implantology.

Recently, I had the opportunity to train on the Yakebot dental robotic system in Singapore. For me, it wasn’t about chasing the latest technology, it was about understanding how innovation can further improve precision, predictability, and patient care. 

Technology will continue to transform implant dentistry, but the foundation of our profession will always be people learning from people.

Every patient we treat benefits from our experience. Every clinician we mentor carries that knowledge forward to help countless others. To me, that is the true legacy of an implantologist; not just the implants we place or the technology we adopt, but the knowledge we share and the next generation we help shape.