How to Choose an Implant Dentist: Why Credentials Like the ABIO/ID Diplomate Matter

Choosing an implant dentist? Focus on expertise, not just speed or price. Dr. Robert Castracane, DMD - Diplomate, American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry explains why credentials matter.

Choosing a dentist for dental implants can feel like a search for certainty in a sea of options. You've likely seen advertisements for "quick" or "same-day" implants at what seem like unbelievable prices. It's easy to be tempted by these promises, especially if you're feeling self-conscious about missing teeth.

But when it comes to a procedure as significant as a dental implant—a solution meant to last a lifetime—the real question isn't how fast or how cheap it can be. The real question is: who can you truly trust with your smile?

My name is Dr. Robert Castracane, and throughout my career, from my time as a student to my current practice in the Flatiron district, I’ve always believed that a dentist’s commitment to education and professional excellence is the single most important factor in your decision. It’s what separates a quick fix from a life-changing restoration.

That belief is why I pursued the highest designation in my field: becoming a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry (ABOI/ID). Today, I am proud to be one of only about 600 dentists worldwide to hold this certification, and I want to share why that matters to you.

The Path to a Diplomate

My journey in dentistry began with a foundation in mathematics and psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, which taught me to appreciate both precision and the human experience. I then earned my doctorate from Tufts University and completed my residency at Kings County Medical Center in Brooklyn, where I treated a wide range of patients. This early training was critical, but I knew my education was far from over.

I later had the privilege of serving as an associate professor at both New York University College of Dentistry and Seton Hall University School of Graduate Medical Education. Teaching the next generation of dentists was a deeply rewarding experience, and it reinforced my own passion for the field. It also reminded me that true expertise is not a destination; it’s a continuous process of learning and improvement.

This commitment to continual learning eventually led me to the Misch International Implant Institute and the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, and it culminated in the rigorous process of becoming an ABOI/ID Diplomate.

This isn't just a certification; it’s a peer-reviewed validation of my skills. I had to pass a challenging written exam and present a series of my own patient cases to a board of peers, demonstrating my ability to handle both routine and highly complex implant procedures with consistent success.

ABOI/ID Diplomate vs. Other Implant Dentists

	ABOI/ID Diplomate	Other Implant Dentists
Commitment Level	Highest Level of Certification. Voluntary, peer-reviewed, and represents a dentist's dedication to professional excellence beyond standard requirements.	Standard Practice. Has completed the mandatory education and licensing to perform implant procedures, but has not sought the highest level of board certification.
Education & Training	Extensive and Proven. Has completed hundreds of hours of advanced, implant-specific continuing education.	Variable. The amount of additional training and continuing education can vary widely.
Examination Process	Rigorous Multi-Step. Has passed a challenging written exam and a comprehensive oral exam where they presented and defended their own patient cases to a board of peers.	No Peer-Reviewed Exam. Has not undergone the rigorous, independent evaluation process to prove their expertise to a board of implant specialists.
Case Experience	Validated. Has submitted multiple successful patient cases and demonstrated the ability to handle both simple and complex procedures for peer review.	Self-Reported. Experience is typically based on the number of cases they have performed, without third-party validation or peer review.
What it Means for You	Highest Standard of Care. Provides the assurance that your dentist has been independently verified as an expert in the field. This credential is a powerful indicator of skill, knowledge, and ability to handle both routine and complex cases with a proven track record of success.	Competent Care. You can still receive excellent care, but without the assurance of a third-party, peer-reviewed certification. It requires more personal research to verify the dentist's experience and quality of work.

How AAID Credentialing Relates to the ABOI/ID Diplomate

When researching implant dentists, you may also encounter professionals who are members or have credentials from the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID). This is an important distinction to understand, as the two organizations are closely related.

The AAID is the oldest professional organization dedicated to implant dentistry, and it is the sponsoring organization that actually chartered the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry (ABOI/ID). In fact, I am an Honored Fellow of the AAID and had the privilege of serving on its Board of Trustees from 2019 to 2023.

While the AAID offers its own rigorous credentials, such as Associate Fellow and Fellow, the ABOI/ID Diplomate is a separate, peer-reviewed board certification that stands as the pinnacle of achievement. Therefore, while a dentist who has an AAID credential has proven a significant commitment to the field, a dentist who has earned the ABOI/ID Diplomate has met the highest possible standard of demonstrated proficiency and knowledge in implant dentistry.

What My Credentials Mean to You

I didn’t pursue this designation for a plaque on my wall. I did it for my patients.

It means you can trust my judgment. The training and experience required to become a Diplomate gives me the perspective to accurately diagnose your needs and create a treatment plan designed for long-term success.
It means I can handle complex cases. Whether you're dealing with severe bone loss that requires a bone graft or a full-mouth reconstruction that requires meticulous planning, my training as a Diplomate ensures I have the skills to manage your case and provide a predictable, long-term outcome.
It means I am dedicated to excellence. The field of implant dentistry is constantly evolving. My commitment to this high standard means I'm always up-to-date on the latest science and technology, ensuring you receive the best care available.

My mission has always been to give my patients healthier, more beautiful smiles and, in turn, a higher quality of life. The ABOI/ID Diplomate designation is a testament to that mission. When you choose a dentist, you deserve to work with a team that offers a proven dedication to professional excellence and understands the vital connection between oral health and total systemic wellness.

Here at Advanced Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry (AICD), I am proud to partner with my wife, Dr. Jyoti Srivastava, a skilled prosthodontist. Together, we are committed to providing the full spectrum of care you need, all rooted in the philosophy that a healthy mouth is the foundation of a healthy body. We invite you to learn more about our approach and schedule a consultation to experience the AICD difference for yourself.