The Pikos Institute: Breaking Barriers in Implant Training
Behind every confident smile restored through advanced implant dentistry lies a story of skill, dedication, and cutting-edge education. The path to mastering complex procedures like full-arch reconstructions is often steep.
Yet, those who pursue advanced training don’t just transform patients’ lives; they also become pivotal drivers of growth within DSOs. In short, they’re equipped to meet the needs of patients and keep revenue in the chair. This isn’t just about individual success—it’s a strategic shift that empowers clinicians to lead, innovate, and elevate care while fueling long-term business performance. That’s where Pikos Institute comes in.
Training That Breaks Barriers
For 35 years, the Pikos Institute has been offering world-class surgical instruction for maxillofacial surgeons, prosthodontists, periodontists, and general dentists, giving DSOs a way to provide continuing education opportunities that fuel their growth.
Access to advanced surgical training is especially critical for women, who make up only 7%-8% of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons active members. In a specialty where representation still lags, programs like those offered by the Pikos Institute are helping to break barriers— not only by leveling the playing field but by expanding what’s possible for underrepresented clinicians. For DSOs to offer training is not just progressive—it’s strategic, and it changes lives.
“If a DSO is serious about growth and long-term success, advanced implant training is a no-brainer,” says Roe McFarlane, CEO of Modis Advanced Education, strategic backer and supporter of the Pikos Institute. “And investing in women dentists especially is a decision that pays dividends across the board.”
Surgical Implant Dentistry at the Highest Level
McFarlane notes that surgeons and organizations need continuing training on real-world, complex cases. “A lot of dentistry focuses on cosmetic and restorative work—fixing chipped teeth or placing crowns—and that’s important. But at the Pikos Institute,” says McFarlane, “we’re teaching clinicians advanced, complex surgical implant therapies—patients who’ve lost all their teeth and have compromised bone structure. Dr. Pikos and his institute teach how to rebuild and repair their foundation so implants can be placed and give them a life-changing smile. This is advanced surgical dentistry at the highest level. And frankly, very few people in the world are comprehensively teaching the techniques demonstrated by Dr. Pikos and his faculty.”
The Pikos Institute is a global leader in hands-on, clinically grounded training for dentists and surgeons. With more than 7,000 alumni, it’s known for evidence-based instruction in implant dentistry, bone and soft tissue grafting, and full-mouth reconstruction.
What sets the Pikos Institute apart is its immersive, integrated approach, combining didactic learning with live surgery viewings, hands-on practice, and in-depth complication management.
“You’re not just watching a lecture,” explains Pikos Institute faculty member Dr. Nicole Hernandez. “You’re seeing full cases—start to finish—with all the nuance and complexity that come with them.”
The Institute’s curriculum is built from thousands of real cases, decades of documentation, and a relentless commitment to the latest techniques, tools, and materials. “The real differentiator is showing surgical complications,” added Dr. Hernandez. “We get a lot of positive feedback on this area, and it can only come from doing a high volume of cases, which is why Dr. Pikos is so valued.”
Advanced Technology, Superior Outcomes
Unlike fragmented approaches where surgeons, labs, and restorative dentists work in silos, Pikos models a fully integrated system under one roof. “We are very fortunate that we have all of the latest technology and planning software and equipment that allows us to kind of streamline and plan and execute these cases in a much more efficient and comprehensively planned manner to deliver the best care for our patients with the least amount of headache,” says Dr. Hernandez.
She adds, “People who attend take notes not just on the procedures but on everything—the CT scanner, the workflow, the lab protocols. So, in addition to learning in the class, they’re also seeing a whole way of operating that’s very different from what they’re used to.”
Never Stop Evolving with Lifelong Learning
Dr. Hernandez is a third-generation female dentist who attributes her commitment to patient care to her grandmother, a private practitioner for 35 years. Practicing at Coastal Jaw Surgery in Tampa, Dr. Hernandez focuses on implants, tissue grafting, TMJ disorders, and more. Beyond her surgical expertise, she sees her role as an educator and a lifelong learner, which drew her to join the faculty at the Pikos Institute.
“Education is critical because things are always changing. We’re all trained based on our specific path—whether you’re a periodontist, general dentist, prosthodontist, or oral surgeon. But just because that’s how we were taught doesn’t mean it’s the only, or even the best, way to do something. Continued education broadens your horizon—it gives you exposure to things you may never have encountered before,” Dr. Hernandez states.
She’s also candid about the importance of sharing the lessons learned from complications. “To say, ‘This didn’t work, and here’s why,’ helps everyone grow. Continuing education is often humbling. You might think you understand something—then someone presents it in a new way and it completely shifts your thinking.”
Vulnerability Is Where Growth Lives
Dr. Suchie Chawla, who recently joined the Institute’s network of over 7,000 alumni trained at the Pikos Institute, agrees that true growth begins beyond your comfort zone.
“I’ve been in practice for 17 years now. The longer you practice, the more hesitant you become about trying unfamiliar techniques. That was soft tissue for me. It’s easier than I thought it would be, but I just needed that extra push.”
Operating out of Manhattan, Dr. Chawla leads a private oral and maxillofacial surgery practice with a wide procedural range—from wisdom teeth to complex reconstructions. Board-certified and dual-degreed in medicine and dentistry, Dr. Chawla embodies the intersection of technical skill and compassionate care.
And she, like Dr. Hernandez, is driven to never stop learning. “When I go to a course, it’s worth it if I walk away with four or five clinical pearls. That’s enough to make a difference in how I practice,” Dr. Chawla states.
Born in Prague and raised across cities like Warsaw, Kathmandu, and New Delhi, Dr. Chawla credits her compassion and strong work ethic to her father, a diplomat in the Indian Foreign Service.
Her journey with the Pikos Institute left a lasting impression. “Dr. Pikos was incredibly approachable. He made you want to ask more questions, to keep learning. And when he didn’t know something, he’d defer to his experienced faculty. That kind of humility in someone so accomplished really stuck with me.”
Reflecting on the importance of visibility and representation in her field, Dr. Chawla states, “There are not that many women role models in surgery today. And I think we need more role models.” For Dr. Chawla, and thousands of Pikos Institute alumni, education is a bridge between potential and excellence, helping to build female role models one practitioner at a time.
Empowering Clinicians to Expand
Their Procedures through Training In a field that demands precision, leadership, and adaptability, the clinicians who thrive are the ones who stay curious, stay humble, and stay committed. The kind of elite, hands-on training at Pikos doesn’t just change careers—it changes the lives of both providers and patients.
And when clinicians bring that level of expertise back to their organizations, they become key drivers of innovation, patient satisfaction, and sustainable growth within DSOs.
Because in the end, the best clinicians aren’t the ones who know it all—they’re the ones who never stop learning.
Ready to Lead the Future of Surgical Dentistry?
For clinicians wishing to learn sound concepts of surgical-based implantology, the beginner-level course Mastering Implant Dentistry Fundamentals consists of four 3-day Modules (108 hours), each of which will include clinically relevant and evidence-based interactive lecture discussion, live surgery, and two half-day hands-on workshops.
Explore all upcoming courses at PikosInstitute.com and join a global community of empowered clinicians reshaping the standard of surgical implant care.
Pikos Institute and WinDSO are thrilled to partner on a scholarship opportunity created to uplift and empower women in dentistry. Open only to WinDSO members, two full scholarships valued up to $20,000 will be awarded to attend any Pikos Institute course.
“Our mission is to provide world-class continuing education that advances clinical excellence. Through this scholarship, we are investing in the future of women in dental leadership,” says Roe J. McFarlane, CEO of Modis Advanced Education, strategic backer and supporter of the Pikos Institute.
- Two scholarships available
- Open to dentists, specialists, hygienists, students, recent graduates
- Scholarship can be used toward any Pikos Institute live course (up to $20,000 value)
- Courses include oral surgery, implantology, and practice management
- Apply by December 31, 2025
- Winners are chosen based on their passion and commitment to dentistry communicated in the application
- Winners announced at WinDSO Empower & Grow Conference 2026
- Travel and hotel expenses not included
Apply for the scholarship for a chance to enhance your clinical skills with top-tier CE training. Application and all details are at: pikosinstitute.com/pikos-institute-windso-scholarship
