Interview with Dr. med. dent. Christian Ramel: Trust, structure, and the honest lessons of experience

«Treat your patients the way you would treat your parents.»

For Dr. Christian Ramel, implantology was never about diving in headfirst. It was about thoughtful structure, reliable mentorship, and a steady climb built on collaboration and honest self-assessment. From his earliest days at the University of Zurich to his years in private practice, Dr. Ramel has built a philosophy rooted in clear communication, precise planning, and the recognition that even setbacks carry lessons worth sharing.

A Career Launched Through Structured Learning

«For me, it was always essential that I received a clearly structured curriculum in this complex field and that I could rely on the instruction and help of experienced dentists.»

Dr. Ramel’s journey into implantology began at the University of Zurich’s Clinic for Crown and Bridge Prosthodontics, under the direction of Professor Christoph Hämmerle. He spent three formative years there as an assistant, followed by five years as a senior physician. It was a setting where learning didn’t happen in isolation – it happened shoulder-to-shoulder with colleagues and mentors.

Two elements, in particular, defined his early training: «First, the opportunity to perform surgeries with a senior assistant supporting me and giving live, hands-on tips. Second, the informal environment among younger dentists at the university, where we could easily exchange experiences.» For Dr. Ramel, «that way of learning implantology from the ground up remains the best approach.»

Failure as a Foundation for Growth

One of the most important things in implantology is selecting the right patients for the right procedures.

Not all lessons came in the form of smooth outcomes. One of the key turning points in Dr. Ramel’s career came while he was working at the clinic. «A patient had to be treated in hospital after a failed sinus floor elevation,» he recalls.

What followed was a period of deep reflection. «I clearly made some technical and surgical errors during the procedure. But even more importantly, I selected the wrong patient and didn’t inform her thoroughly enough.» He acknowledges that better patient selection and communication could have prevented the escalation.

And yet, the story didn’t end with a broken relationship. «I must have done something right psychologically, because nearly 20 years later, the patient is still with me and we’ve maintained a trusting relationship.» For Dr. Ramel, that experience reinforced the value of ensuring patients are «comprehensively, honestly, and in writing informed before surgery.»

The Influence of Mentors at Every Stage

«I’m deeply grateful to all of them for the many things I was able to take away.»

Throughout his career, Dr. Ramel has benefitted from a range of mentors – each contributing something distinct to his development:

• His father, with whom he shared a practice for four years, gaining insight into clinical work, psychology, and the realities of private practice.
• Professor Christoph Hämmerle, whom he describes as the “organizational and spiritual father” of the clinic.
• Professor Ronald Jung, Prof. Hämmerle’s clinical successor, from whom Dr. Ramel learned a great deal in hands-on implantology.
• Dr. Konrad Meyenberg, a later practice partner, from whom he learned a huge amount about implant prosthetics.

Each of these figures shaped his clinical mindset and helped him develop a thoughtful, patient-first approach to practice.

The Road Ahead – Technology with Real Potential

«When it comes to the implants themselves, there’s probably not much more potential for development.»

Dr. Ramel is realistic about where innovation still holds promise, and where the field may be reaching maturity. «Implantology is now very well developed,» he notes. While further improvement to the implants themselves may be limited, he sees real potential in one long-standing hope: «A big dream remains – to somehow accelerate the healing process. But that seems difficult, as we’ve made very little progress on that front in recent decades.»

Where he does see exciting change is in digitalization. «Navigated implant placement seems very forward-looking to me, particularly when combined with virtual or augmented reality.»

Advice for Young Dentists

«If you have the chance to work at a university clinic, it’s still the best way to learn implantology.»

Dr. Ramel believes structured, mentorship-driven environments remain the best way to develop as an implantologist. Outside of university, «there are now many organizations – including the AID – that follow exactly this approach: experienced and older dentists pass on their knowledge and experience in a practical and direct way to younger dentists.»

His message is simple: don’t go alone. «Become a member of such an organization and find yourself a corresponding environment where you can gain a well-rounded and perhaps initially protected introduction to implantology.»

And above all – «treat your patients the way you would treat your parents.»