Interview with Dr. med. dent. Ueli Grunder: Precision, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence in implantology

«Even after 40 years, I still read the relevant journals with interest.»

Dr. Ueli Grunder stands as one of the most respected figures in modern implantology. With a career spanning over four decades, he has shaped the discipline not only through clinical practice but also through teaching, research, and international lecturing. His reflections reveal a lifelong commitment to mastery – driven by curiosity, humility, and a relentless desire to improve.

Early Beginnings and a Commitment to Aesthetic Implantology

«I had the good fortune to start placing implants already in the 1980s, and to focus on the topic of implants in the aesthetic zone even back then.»

Dr. Grunder was among the pioneers who embraced implantology when the field was still in its infancy. Early in his career, he delved into the complex and demanding world of aesthetic implant placement – a specialty that would go on to define much of his professional legacy.

His reputation grew quickly, and with it came the opportunity to lecture on international stages. «That kind of work is particularly demanding,» he says. «You expose yourself to public criticism. That’s an enormous motivation to keep getting better.»

To maintain credibility and clinical excellence, he emphasizes the need to stay up to date with academic research. «You not only have to improve clinically all the time, but also be very well informed about the current literature. Even after 40 years, I still read the relevant journals with interest.»

Lessons from Failure: The Foundation of Experience

«In our early days, there was a lot we didn’t know that is clear today.»

Dr. Grunder is candid about the challenges of working in a time when the field lacked clear guidelines. «Every failure was a key moment that helped me move forward,» he reflects. Rather than ignoring mistakes, he and his colleagues embraced them as opportunities for growth.

One of the practices that enabled this learning was thorough documentation. «From the very beginning, we documented every case. Only in that way was it possible to analyze failures and learn from them.» This disciplined approach allowed him to develop not only his own expertise but also insights that have shaped the next generation of clinicians.

The Influence of Mentorship and Academic Rigor

The postgraduate training under Professor Peter Schärer defined the level of my dental work.

Mentorship played a decisive role in Dr. Grunder’s journey. He credits Professor Peter Schärer with instilling in him a high standard for clinical performance and academic excellence. Another pivotal figure was Professor Jörg Strub, under whose guidance Dr. Grunder deepened his focus on implantology.

«I had the good fortune to be involved with implantology within the team of Professor Jörg Strub,» he says. «I worked extensively on implantology in the context of my dissertation as well as through several dog studies.» These experiences were instrumental in shaping his evidence-based approach and academic focus.

On the Future: Innovation with Caution

«AI can be both a curse and a blessing.»

Looking ahead, Dr. Grunder acknowledges the potential of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence. «The use of artificial intelligence is certainly exciting, though it can be both a curse and a blessing,» he notes. The central issue, in his view, remains the human factor: «The most important player is still the human being behind the computer.»

His concern is that increasing reliance on AI may lead to a decline in critical thinking. «The more we rely on AI, the less we critically question what it delivers,» he warns. For him, the essence of implantology is still rooted in skilled surgical execution. «The greatest challenge remains learning the craft of surgery.»

And this, he says, presents a growing obstacle for the next generation. «Where can I find the best training environment? Where can I find a good mentor?» He hopes that initiatives like the AID can help fill that gap. «We hope that the AID can make a small but important contribution here through mentorship and coaching programs.»

Wisdom for the Next Generation

«We were able to learn from our own failures.»

Dr. Grunder’s journey is a powerful reminder that excellence is not the product of shortcuts, but of discipline, reflection, and the willingness to face critique. His message to young clinicians is clear: seek out strong mentors, challenge yourself through real experiences, and never stop refining your skills – both hands-on and academic.

Through decades of contribution to the field, Dr. Grunder has shown that progress in implantology comes not only from innovation, but from an unshakable dedication to learning, honesty, and craft.