A Journey Through Advanced Surgical Training
From February to July 2025, the ICE Dental Institute, in collaboration with the University of Salford, delivered the 9th cohort of its flagship postgraduate programme: the Advanced Certificate in Bone & Tissue Regeneration & Sinus Grafting.
Led by Professor Cemal Ucer, the course was meticulously structured to guide experienced implant clinicians through complex regenerative procedures in oral surgery. Designed around a five-part framework, the programme combined academic excellence with hands-on application—ensuring participants not only understood the techniques but were also ready to integrate them confidently into practice.
This article celebrates the 9th cohort’s educational journey, practical experiences, and the final certificate presentation held at the prestigious Coombe Abbey Hotel.
Part 1 – Foundational Knowledge: Webinar Series (February 2025)
The cohort’s journey began with an engaging preparatory webinar series in February 2025. Delivered by an elite panel of faculty including Professor Ucer, Dr Ulpee Darbar, Dr Rabia Khan, Professor Simon Wright MBE, and other domain experts, this virtual segment laid the essential groundwork.
Students explored:
- Surgical anatomy of the head and neck
- Diagnosis of sinus pathology
- Vertical and horizontal GBR techniques
- 3D imaging and digital treatment planning
- Bioactive modifiers and regenerative biomaterials
- Human factors and medicolegal considerations in surgical planning
These sessions were accessible on-demand, allowing participants to pace their learning while engaging with faculty during live discussions. This flexibility created an ideal foundation for the hands-on components to follow.
Part 2 – Clinical Workshops and Q&A at ICE Hospital
In late November, the cohort convened at the ICE Hospital in Manchester for a focused day of face-to-face lectures and Q&A.
This in-person module built upon the webinars by translating theory into surgical workflows and case-specific planning. Delegates engaged in:
- Detailed treatment planning of sinus grafting and GBR cases
- Review of surgical instrumentation and piezosurgery
- Interactive Q&A on surgical risks, complications, and patient consent
- ENT management insights into maxillary sinus pathology
Lectures also covered diagnostic pathways, with real CBCT images reviewed in small groups, allowing clinicians to assess sinus floor elevation suitability, septa presence, and proximity to vital structures.
Participants praised the clarity, pace, and interactivity of this session, which prepared them for the hands-on phase with precision.
Part 3 – Live Surgery Observation and Simulation Workshop
In Part 3, students participated in a full day of live surgery observation and pre-clinical simulation training at ICE Hospital in Manchester.
The day began with a live sinus grafting procedure performed by Professor Cemal Ucer, showcasing advanced surgical techniques and clinical workflow. Delegates observed:
- Lateral window sinus elevation
- Graft material placement and membrane stabilisation
- Incision design, flap management, and suturing techniques
Following the live demonstration, participants engaged in simulation workshops, practising:
- Flap elevation on anatomical models
- Lateral wall osteotomies
- Graft handling and insertion
- Suturing methods and closure techniques
This structured, immersive session provided students with critical insights into procedural execution and allowed them to refine their technical skills in a supportive learning environment.
Part 4 – Cadaveric Surgical Training at Coventry Hospital
In July 2025, the cohort completed two full days of cadaver-based training at Coventry Hospital, supported by ICE faculty and expert ENT consultants.
Each delegate participated in:
- Dissecting the lateral wall and accessing the maxillary sinus
- Performing sinus lifts on cadaver specimens
- Harvesting and fixing block grafts
- Simulating advanced GBR and soft tissue management
Lectures were integrated throughout, including demonstrations of FESS (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery) and balloon sinuplasty to broaden understanding of ENT collaboration in sinus pathology cases.
This module proved to be the transformational moment for many students—bridging the gap between simulation and surgical application.
Final Celebration: Certificate Ceremony and Dinner at Coombe Abbey Hotel
The culmination of months of rigorous study and surgical training was celebrated in style at Coombe Abbey Hotel.
In the historic surroundings of the Abbey’s grand halls, faculty and students gathered for a formal certificate presentation ceremony, where each participant was awarded a CPD-accredited certificate, formally recognizing their completion of the Advanced Certificate.
This was followed by a communal dinner—a moment of reflection, gratitude, and connection. Students expressed their appreciation for the course’s structure, the support of their instructors, and the professional friendships forged throughout the programme.
The relaxed setting of Coombe Abbey offered the perfect backdrop to mark the end of an academic journey and the beginning of a new chapter in clinical practice.
Participant Testimonials
“The facilities both in Manchester and Coventry were excellent. I really enjoyed the lectures and practical sessions, and I feel ready to do these procedures in my daily practice now.”
— Dr. Saul Pineiro
“Very helpful and knowledgeable staff. Thank you for the invaluable demos in the cadaver sessions! Very beneficial to my clinical practice.”
— Dr. Nour Geres
Lasting Impact: Clinical Growth and Future Integration
Many of the 9th cohort participants reported immediate changes to their clinical workflows after completing the course. Outcomes shared by delegates included:
- Incorporating sinus grafting into routine treatment planning
- Enhanced patient assessment using CBCT and digital tools
- Increased confidence in managing complex anatomy and graft materials
- Better collaboration with ENT specialists for shared surgical cases
Several graduates also expressed interest in returning for Part 5: Supervised Clinical Training an optional extension where delegates perform sinus surgeries under ICE faculty guidance at ICE Hospital.
Programme Overview: Five-Part Structure
| Part | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | Preparatory Webinars | Online |
| Part 2 | Face-to-Face Lectures & Q&A | ICE Hospital, Manchester |
| Part 3 | Live Surgery Observation & Simulation | ICE Hospital, Manchester |
| Part 4 | Cadaveric Surgical Training | Coventry Hospital |
| Part 5 (Optional) | Supervised Patient Surgery | ICE Hospital, Manchester |
Course Leadership and Accreditation
The programme is delivered under the academic direction of:
- Professor Cemal Ucer – Specialist Oral Surgeon, Professor of Dental Implantology, University of Salford
- Professor Simon Wright MBE – Director of Education, ICE Institute
- Guest Faculty – Including ENT consultants, oral surgeons, and biomaterials experts
The course is accredited by the University of Salford and offers 52 CPD hours for Parts 1–4, with an additional 7 hours available upon completion of optional Part 5.
Conclusion: Empowering the Next Generation of Surgical Leaders
The 9th cohort of the Advanced Certificate in Bone & Tissue Regeneration & Sinus Grafting has completed an academic and professional journey of the highest standard, rooted in rigorous teaching, hands-on experience, and expert mentorship.
We are proud of their achievements and confident in the clinical impact they will bring to their practices and patients across the UK and beyond.
Recent Comments