Interview with Dr. med. dent. Claude Andreoni: Experience, mentorship, and forward thinking in implantology

«Every case has specific difficulties that must be identified. And to recognize those, you need a certain level of experience in implantology.»

With more than three decades of experience, Dr. Claude Andreoni has been a key figure in advancing implantology in Switzerland. Known for his clinical expertise and dedication to education, Dr. Andreoni has shaped the field both through his private practice and his role as an instructor at various universities. His path has been shaped by foundational mentors, a dedication to learning, and commitment to helping younger dentists navigate the complexities of modern implant dentistry.

Foundations Built on Academic and Clinical Excellence

«I started in the Department of Cariology and Periodontology, then spent a short time in the Department of Oral Surgery. After that, I spent four years in the Department of Crown and Bridge Prosthodontics.»

After graduating from dental school in Zurich, Dr. Andreoni trained under influential experts, including Professors Mühlemann, Lutz, and Schärer. He spent formative years in the Department of Crown and Bridge Prosthodontics, where he worked closely with Professor Schärer – then Dean of the Medical Faculty – as his private assistant.

One of his earliest inspirations was Professor Strub: «a great role model in implantology,» Andreoni recalls, who «really advanced the field in Zurich.» Dr. Andreoni had already started his doctoral thesis on the topic of implants, comparing bacterial flora around implants and natural teeth, so working alongside Professor Strub was a formative experience.

Eventually, Dr. Andreoni moved into private practice alongside Dr. Thomas Meier, where they built a clinic centered on implantology and reconstructive dentistry. That was 35 years ago!

The Role of Experience in Shaping Judgment

«There are never truly "easy" cases.»

Dr. Andreoni doesn’t sugarcoat the learning curve of implantology. «In the beginning, we didn’t have the same knowledge of modern implantology that we have today, so we had to learn through our own mistakes,» he says.

For him, the key to professional maturity lies in developing the ability to assess cases honestly. «You need a certain level of experience in implantology so that you can assess yourself honestly and ask: can I treat this case myself, or should I refer it?» That clarity, he believes, comes from a lot of routine and a lot of experience.

His message to younger dentists is rooted in the lessons of trial and error: «The goal today should be to pass on those lessons so that younger dentists don’t repeat the same mistakes.»

Mentorship: A Foundation of Clinical Growth

«Mentors always play a crucial role in one’s professional life.»

Dr. Andreoni credits much of his professional development to his mentors, especially Professor Strub. «He helped me a lot,» he says. «He showed me and Ueli Grunder what it takes to be persistent in implantology, to consistently strive for optimal outcomes and always offer the best to the patient.»

Today, he finds it concerning that some younger dentists believe they already have all the answers. Many think that «they’ve seen it all and don’t need mentors to support them in difficult situations.» But Dr. Andreoni believes that mentorship is extremely important and sees programs like AID’s mentorship network as a critical tool in helping early-career clinicians grow in confidence and knowledge.

Rethinking the Path Forward

It’s a shame when people stick only to old-fashioned techniques. We can use newer, more efficient techniques that also offer significant benefits to the patient.

Dr. Andreoni believes that new techniques deserve more attention. «Immediate implant placement or socket-shield techniques may still be considered niche, but they’re highly relevant for certain patients in private practice, where the risks are relatively low.»

Although some cases still require traditional protocols, he encourages clinicians to embrace innovation where it fits. «Waiting six months, and only then placing the implant takes a lot of time. In some cases, it’s appropriate, but in many others, we can use newer, more efficient techniques that also offer significant benefits to the patient.»

Advice for the Next Generation

«Really engage with implantology. Learn the fundamentals.»

Dr. Andreoni’s advice is practical, but thoughtful: take the field seriously. «If you decide to focus on implantology, then really engage with the topic. Learn the fundamentals – especially surgical periodontology, which is essential for implant placement,» he emphasizes.

Through a career built on extensive experience, clinical precision, and a dedication to education, Dr. Andreoni continues to shape the next generation of implantologists – helping them learn not only from new research but from the wisdom of experts.