Inside Jacksonville University’s Oral Implantology Residency Program w/ Dr. James Rutkowski

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Let’s Talk Teeth, we are joined by Dr. James (Jim) Rutkowski, the Program Director of Jacksonville University’s Comprehensive Oral Implantology Program, one of the few programs in the country dedicated specifically to advanced implant training.Dr. Rutkowski shares his unique career journey, from pharmacy school at Duquesne University to dental school at the University of Pittsburgh, followed by private practice in Pennsylvania. He later returned to Duquesne to earn a PhD in Pharmacology, and even establishing a research laboratory within his dental office focused on autogenous growth factors for oral bone regeneration.After decades of clinical practice centered largely on implant surgery and grafting, Dr. Rutkowski retired from clinical dentistry in 2020 and now focuses on education. He gives us an inside look at Jacksonville University’s 2 Year Comprehensive Oral Implantology Program, discussing its origins, structure, didactics, EPAs, IV sedation training, tuition, stipends, and how training sites are matched with residents.Don’t miss this insightful conversation with one of the leaders in implant dentistry as we explore the training, philosophy, and future of oral implantology.00:00 Meet Dr James Rutkowski00:34 Transitioning from Pharmacy to Dentistry01:23 Small Town Practice Move01:43 PhD Research and Patents03:03 Implant Focus and Retirement04:35 Why Dentistry Rewards06:50 Pharmacology in Modern Care08:04 Jacksonville Program Origins09:25 Recruited as Program Director13:31 Program Overview and Sites15:27 Training EPAs and Sedation18:54 Didactics Culture and Flexibility24:23 Applications Deadlines and Match28:11 How the Match Works29:26 Flexibility and New Sites30:50 Ideal Applicant Profile33:07 Clinical Progression and EPAs35:02 Site Consistency and Case Volume36:59 Mentorship and Practice Management39:11 Program Outcomes and Recognition40:17 How Clinics Join the Program43:31 Stipends Discounts and Director Benefits48:00 Final Advice and Wrap UpSupport the show