Implant dentistry used to be in the domain of general dentists who mentored and trained each other. There are credentialing bodies like the American Academy of Implant Dentistry who have lobbied to make this a specialty without success but have managed to have their credentials recognized by courts in several states.
Although implant dental training was not always a part of the specialty training of oral surgeons and periodontists prior to the 1980's, implant training is now a part of most post-graduate dental programs including endodontics, prosthodontics, and general practice residencies. There are even special residency programs like Loma Linda that offer post graduate training in implant dentistry. Most procedures require specialized training and are enhanced by additional training in Oral and IV Sedation. For more on Dental Implants link to other areas of our website including Implant Education Center-Dr's Opinions.