Dr. Robert Vogel discusses the enormous impact that implant dentistry has had on his practice


What can you tell us about your background?

I grew up in New York on Long Island, met my wife (Gwen) as an undergrad, graduated from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in New York City, and moved to Florida 10 minutes after graduation to avoid the winters. Actually, I had a great opportunity to begin a general practice residency (GPR) in Miami in 1985. As a resident, I was exposed to the emerging new world of osseointegration and realized this would define my life. The people I came to know and embrace in implant dentistry were educators, clinicians, researchers, manufacturers, and corporate representatives all working together to provide a better quality of life to patients. I became a member of the team with a strong commitment to scientifically based research and education. A passion for implant dentistry has allowed me to continue as a clinician, university educator, researcher, author, corporate consultant, and lecturer.

When did you become a specialist and why?

Actually, I actively chose not to become a specialist but to continue my professional life as a general dentist with an all-implant–based practice. I saw this as the ideal way to work as a most valuable team member with many specialists where I could bring together and orchestrate the ideal people for each unique patient.


Is your practice limited solely to implants, or do you practice other types of dentistry?

While all my patients either have or will have dental implants, I perform any restorative and prosthetic procedures necessary for them once they are in my practice.

Why did you decide to focus on implant dentistry?

My early exposure to implant dentistry and the level of people involved made me realize the enormous impact this “emerging” field held for our patients and the entire dental profession.

Do your patients come through referrals?

Yes. Patients come to me from specialists (my team members), the medical community, existing patients, other GPs wanting to collaborate on a case, and dental friends around the world. Being in Florida is unique in that everyone has a patient or relative who will be coming here at some point.

How long have you been practicing implant dentistry, and what systems do you use?

I began my private practice in 1986. After working with multiple implant and restorative systems, I actively decided to work almost exclusively with the Straumann® Dental Implant System and Zest Anchors (Locator® Attachments).

What training you have undertaken?

After an implant-focused GPR in Miami, I began the pursuit of any quality scientifically based education around the world. While meetings such as the Academy of Osseointegration and ITI (International Team for Implantology) Congresses have been a staple for me, much of my advanced learning has come from University-based courses in Geneva and Bern, Switzerland, as well as every corner of North America. I feel strongly about Study Clubs (I belong to three), which have had a significant impact by affording me direct contact with many of the most respected people in our profession.

Who has inspired you?

Other than my wife, who understands my passion for implant dentistry, there have been many people all of whom can be found at ITI and AO meetings every year. These are the people who are publishing, teaching, researching, and practicing around us everyday. Just to drop some names: Drs. Belser, Buser, Tarnow, Cochran, Woody, Amsterdam, Feine, and many others, all of whom have become friends through our common goal.  

Professionally what are you most proud of?

Having direct input on the development, testing, and introduction of components currently used in implant dentistry and being given the chance to educate future and budding dentists. Also, being a Fellow of the International Team for Implantology (ITI).

What do you think is unique about your practice?

Evaluating what is most ideal for my patients and working with the people and materials needed to meet that goal in a reasonable way.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Finding the right mix of time for our profession and my family. I have a tough time saying no to any exciting opportunity.

What would you have been if you hadn’t become a dentist?

An unhappy person!

What is the future of implant dentistry?

Digitalization. Think of the impact this technology has already had on precision, productivity, and efficacy in all aspects of implant dentistry: surgical, restorative, and laboratory. This includes cone beam diagnostics, CAD/CAM abutments, and restorative materials and impression making.

What are your top tips for maintaining a successful specialty practice?

Stay educated, work with reliable companies and colleagues, don’t compromise on quality of care, and provide a solution that is appropriate for each patient even if it requires referral to someone else.

What advice would you give to budding implant specialists?

Education! Expose yourself to all aspects of dentistry to refine your skills and value as a specialist.

What are your hobbies, and what do you do in your spare time?

My passion is traveling worldwide with my wife to every significant implant meeting and spending time with our other implant-obsessed friends. Any other (minimal) free time is spent reading the literature, preparing lectures, and working with manufacturers on the development of new implant restorative solutions.



Favorites List

•    My wife
•    Our rescue dog, Dixie
•    My staff and their level of commitment and compassion
•    Locator® Implant Attachments (Zest Anchors)
•    The Straumann® Dental Implant System
•    CAD/CAM abutments and restorative solutions (Straumann®)
•    Locator® root attachments (Zest Anchors)
•    Zirconium and lithium disilicate restorative materials
•    Cone beam technology (Kodak CBCT, Carestream Dental)

Bio

Robert Vogel, DDS, graduated from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in New York City before completing a combined general practice residency program in Miami, Florida. He maintains a full-time private practice in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, in implant prosthetics and reconstructive dentistry, working closely as a team member with several specialists providing implant-based comprehensive treatment as well as conducting clinical trials and providing clinical advice to the dental attachment and implant field. Dr. Vogel has developed and collaborated on the development of several prosthetic components and techniques currently in use today in implant dentistry. Dr. Vogel lectures internationally on implant dentistry, focusing on simplification, confidence, and predictability of implant prosthetics through ideal treatment planning and team interaction. He has published numerous scientific articles on implant dentistry and is a Fellow of the International Team for Implantology. He can be reached at (561)775-1898, or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it