April 2025 DIR Webinar Highlights: The Power of Registry Science in Implant Dentistry
- Dental Implant Registry
- May 7
- 3 min read
On April 29, 2025, leaders in implant dentistry came together for an insightful and forward-thinking Dental Implant Registry (DIR) webinar chaired by Emeritus Professor Alastair Goss. Titled “From Register to Registry,” the event marked a significant milestone in the evolution of the DIR and showcased the powerful role data plays in improving outcomes across the dental implant supply chain.
The webinar assembled a powerhouse panel of industry experts, including Dr Steve Soukoulis, Dr Scott Davis, Dr Ramon Baba, and Rowan Pfotenhauer. Each speaker shared unique insights from their roles within the implant ecosystem—ranging from clinical to lab-based to regulatory perspectives.
Setting the Scene: The State of Implant Dentistry
Professor Goss opened the session by providing essential context: over 400,000 implants are placed annually across Australia and New Zealand, yet the question “What implant is this?” still persists far too often in clinics and labs. With over 28,000 dental professionals across the two countries, the need for a cohesive, reliable implant identification and tracking system was made clear.
Introducing the Registry: Why It Matters
Dr Steve Soukoulis, Chief Investigator of the DIR, explained how the Registry serves both as a real-time database for device registration, identification and a scientific tool for longitudinal analysis. By allowing practitioners and patients to access implant data 24/7 and feeding anonymised information into reporting systems and analysis, the DIR was shown to offer vital benefits: tracking implant components, grafting materials and protocol performance, enhancing transparency, and supporting post-market surveillance.
Dr Soukoulis emphasised that the Registry’s dual role—as a register of devices and a scientific tool—was already transforming how clinicians, suppliers, and manufacturers interact.
Big Announcement: The DIR is now FREE for all Practices and Patients
A big announcement was that the DIR has moved away from the patient funded model and will now be FREE for all practices and patients, increasing access to all implant patients and making the administrative process of registering patient information significantly easier.
Key Results: Evidence in Action
The presentation of early DIR data by Professor Goss was a highlight. As of April 2025, over 9,400 devices and 4,800 patients had been registered. Key insights included:
Confirmation that molar and anterior teeth were the most replaced teeth in both upper and lower jaws.
Maxillary teeth were more commonly replaced than mandibular teeth.
A 2.09% replacement rate within the first five years
A higher complication rate for implants placed with bone grafts
A 4:1 ratio of surgical (implant) to prosthetic (abutment) data entries - highlighting a need for greater uptake by prosthetic providers
Such results underscored the clinical and commercial importance of ongoing data collection.
The Clinician’s View: Real-World Benefits
Dr Ramon Baba offered a practical OMFS (Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery) perspective, explaining how the DIR improved communication and accuracy of device identity across multidisciplinary teams and saved significant administrative time . He also flagged opportunities for system enhancements, such as transitioning registration from individual procedures to a “Course of Treatment” model.
Dr Scott Davis, a prosthodontist and former ADA President, added that registry-based documentation enabled better treatment preparation for patient presenting with unknown dental implants , compliance with TGA regulations, and improved patient satisfaction by reducing prosthetic complications.
The Lab Lens: Solving the Guesswork
Rowan Pfotenhauer, a dental technician and lab CEO, highlighted how often labs are left guessing about implant specifications. He shared how the DIR significantly reduced errors, remakes, and delays—making case planning far more predictable and efficient..
A United Message: Collaboration Improves Outcomes
Across the board, speakers emphasized how the Registry unites the supply chain—from clinician to lab to manufacturer—improving communication, reducing costs, and enhancing patient care. The DIR, they agreed, isn't just a record-keeping tool—it's a catalyst for systemic improvement.
Looking Ahead
As data continues to accumulate and the system evolves, suggestions from the panel—such as improved reporting tools and workflow integration—will likely shape the DIR’s next chapter. The overarching takeaway? Implant dentistry is entering a new era where registry science isn’t optional - it’s essential.
For more information or to get involved, dental professionals are encouraged to visit: dentalimplantregistry.org.au.
Missed the webinar?
Watch the recording below:
