ADI Fellowship Pathway
Recognising skills. Rewarding progression. Supporting safe implant dentistry.
With the changing landscape of Implantology in the UK, the Association of Dental Implantology (ADI) have decided to ensure standards are being met by our members and progression of the clinical skills to meet these standards are being recognised by patients and other dental professionals alike.
We want to recognise our members who have invested heavily in their education and achieved a high level of expertise, and to improve patient safety.
We’re introducing a tiered Fellowship Pathway to recognise your experience, training, and contribution to implant dentistry. All members (except Students and dentists in VT/Foundation Training (F1)) are eligible to progress by meeting the tier criteria.
- On becoming an ADI Member, you’re automatically Tier 1 (Associate Member).
- You can apply to upgrade to Tier 2, 3 or 4 at any time using the form below.
- No additional membership fees – your annual subscription stays the same.
- Tier 4 applicants pay a £1,200 Fellowship examination fee to cover costs.
Important: Applications for Tier 2 and Tier 3 are self‑certified. Please review the criteria carefully and submit your declaration truthfully. Routine audits may be undertaken, and you must be able to provide evidence if requested. A gentle reminder that dishonesty is unprofessional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why tiers?
The ADI tiers reflect UK expectations that implant providers are trained, competent, supervised appropriately when starting, and work within their scope of practice. They align with the spirit of the Training Standards in Implant Dentistry (TSID) and professional standards referenced by UK bodies, supporting patient safety, quality assurance, and transparent recognition of your progression.
Developed in direct response to member feedback, this pathway carries a clear mandate from our community: in a recent consultation of 130 ADI implant dentists, 89% (116 members) supported the development of a Fellowship designation, with none voting against. Guided by this strong endorsement, we are advancing the framework for this prestigious award and the structured pathway that supports it.
Who can apply?
- Eligible: All health professionals can apply to Tier 1. Only health professionals with a focus on Implantology can progress to Tier 2, 3 or 4.
- Start point: All new members are assigned Tier 1 on joining.
- Progression: Apply for Tier 2, 3 or 4 when you meet the criteria.
How it works
- Review the requirements for your desired tier.
- Complete the form and declaration (self‑certification for Tiers 2 & 3).
- Be ready to evidence your eligibility if selected for audit.
- Tier 4 includes the ADI Fellowship Exam (exam fee: £1,200).
Frequently Asked Questions
Requirements & Benefits
Tier 1 - Associate member
Tier 1 —
Associate Member
For all dental professionals interested in implant dentistry who want to join the implant community and access learning and networking.
Requirements
- On becoming an ADI Member, you’re automatically an Associate Member
- Interest in dental implantology.
- Completion of a professional dental‑related qualification or degree.
Benefits
Become an ADI member
Tier 2 —
Full Member
For all dental professionals actively engaged in implant dentistry seeking formal recognition within the implant community and opportunities to contribute to the profession.
Requirements (self‑certified)
- Completion of a professional dental‑related qualification or degree.
- At least 2 years’ experience in dental implantology.
- Evidence of 70 CPD hours in implantology (e.g., courses, workshops) for dentists.
Benefits
- All Associate Member benefits.
- Eligibility for ADI committee positions.
Tier 3 - Associate Fellow
Tier 3 —
Associate Fellow
For experienced implant dental professionals with advanced learning and a developed implant portfolio who want recognition of a specialist interest in Implantology.
Requirements (self‑certified)
- Full Member in good standing for at least 2 years.
- Clinical portfolio readiness: You must hold (and provide on request) the last 3 years of your clinical logbook, demonstrating simple and advanced cases in line with SAC classification.
- In addition, one of the following routes would need to be met:
- Route 1: Completion of a postgraduate Diploma or Degree in Implant Dentistry from a recognised university or Royal College.
- Route 2: The completion of the Membership in Implant Dentistry (M Imp Dent) exam from the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh.
- Route 3: CGDent Mentors in Implantology, ITI Fellows and full members of the historical ORG in UK and Ireland would require no assessment due to the rigorous quality assurance process that they have already undertaken.
- Route 4: A registered Specialist, where Implantology forms part of the specialist training (Restorative Dentistry, Periodontics, Prosthodontics, Oral Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery)
- Route 5: A practitioner who has been providing implants before the UK national guidelines (TSID 2005).
Benefits
- All Full Member benefits.
- Recognition as a clinician with a specialist interest in Implantology.
- Use of the “Assoc Fellow ADI” designation.
Tier 4 —
Fellow
For distinguished implant dental professionals with significant professional impact who seek the highest level of recognition as experts in the field of Implantology.
Requirements
- Either: Has been an Associate Fellow at the ADI for at least 3 years, or
- Fulfilled Associate Fellow requirements and has been a historical member of the ADI for over 10 years.
- Additionally, provide evidence of all:
- 2 publications in peer‑reviewed journals.
- 2 audit projects.
- Completion of the ADI Fellowship Exam (exam fee: £1,200).
Benefits
- All Associate Fellow benefits.
- Use of the “Fellow ADI” designation.
- Recognition as a quality‑assured expert at expert level for Implantology.
Application form
Please complete your details below:
Need Help?
Tier 3 and Tier 4 Frequently Asked Questions
Contact the ADI Membership Team