Zero Bone Loss, Digital Workflows and the Future of Implant Dentistry

In this episode of Conversations with Chris, I’m joined by Vaidas Varinauskas, PhD, implant dentist and oral surgeon based in Dublin, and Clinical Lead at Seapoint Clinic, one of Ireland’s standout practices.

Vaidas shares a refreshingly honest backstory. Born and raised in Lithuania, his early life was shaped by competitive sport as a national champion rower, before nine years at Kaunas Medical University where he trained as an oral surgeon and completed a PhD in biomedical sciences.

We talk openly about what it’s really like running a small practice as a clinical couple, the pressure that puts on family life, and why, after selling their practice and relocating to Ireland, he chose the structure and support of a larger clinical team.

We explore the shift to fully digital implant workflows and the impact this has had on chair time, stress levels, and clinical efficiency.

Vaidas shares his view that AI will increasingly become a daily assistant for planning, diagnostic support and clinical note-taking, while the human side of dentistry remains irreplaceable.

A key clinical theme in the conversation is the “Zero Bone Loss” concept by Professor Tomas Linkevicius.

Vaidas explains why it matters, why adoption is still relatively limited, and what needs to change in mindset, education and lab collaboration to deliver predictable long-term outcomes.

He also highlights the importance of his relationship with his technician, in his case literally a family member, and why the wider team around the clinician, particularly treatment coordinators, skilled nurses and strong management, plays a critical role in building patient confidence and handling financial conversations properly.

We close with Vaidas’s advice to younger dentists: embrace digital, find a mentor, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to ask questions, even after 20 years in practice.

https://education.tomaslinkevicius.com/