🦷 Reviews of “Dental Implant Specialists Near Me”
If you’ve typed “dental implant specialists near me” into Google lately, chances are you’ve been swamped by polished websites, glowing 5-star reviews, and big promises. But here’s what no one tells you: not all reviews are real, not all stars shine equally, and “implant specialist” doesn’t always mean what you think.
✨ Quick Takeaways: What You’ll Learn in This Report
🔍 Question | 💡 Short Answer |
---|---|
Are all 5-star reviews trustworthy? | No — learn how to spot marketing fluff vs. genuine feedback. |
What’s the biggest red flag in a review? | Repetition of issues: poor communication, billing confusion, rushed care. |
Do credentials matter more than reviews? | Yes — real board certifications are the ultimate trust signal. |
Can general dentists be implant experts? | Rarely — only if they hold a Diplomate from ABOI/ID. |
What should I ask at the first consultation? | We give you a ready-to-use checklist. |
Is “implantologist” a real specialty? | Nope — it’s a marketing term. Beware. |
📢 “Are These 5-Star Reviews for Real?” How to Sniff Out the Fake Smiles
It’s easy to fall for dental practices boasting hundreds of 5-star reviews, but here’s the truth: not all praise is created equal.
🛑 Red Flag Filter: What to Watch For
- Overly generic praise (“Amazing doctor! So nice!”) with no mention of actual procedures.
- Repeated phrasing across multiple reviews – this can indicate review stuffing.
- Inconsistencies between website claims and patient feedback. If they say “same-day implants,” but reviews mention long delays — believe the patients.
✅ What Good Reviews Look Like
- Specific mentions of procedures (“He placed three implants and did a sinus lift.”)
- Insight into communication style (“She explained every step and never rushed me.”)
- Honest acknowledgment of challenges (“The first few days were sore, but the follow-up care was fantastic.”)
📊 Quick Chart: Real vs. Fluff Reviews
✍️ Review Feature | ✅ Real Review | ❌ Fluff/Fake |
---|---|---|
Mentions specific procedure | ✔️ | ❌ |
Highlights staff + environment | ✔️ | ❌ |
Vague, over-the-top praise | ❌ | ✔️ |
Details post-op experience | ✔️ | ❌ |
Overuses words like “perfect” or “best ever” | ❌ | ✔️ |
🥇 “What Really Makes a Specialist… a Specialist?” (Hint: Not Everyone Is)
Here’s a critical truth: “Implantologist” isn’t a real ADA-recognized dental specialty. Anyone can use the term. What matters? Verified board certifications.
🏆 Top Credentials to Look For
- Diplomate, ABOI/ID – Highest certification specific to implants. Accept no substitutes.
- Diplomate, ABOMS / ABP / ABP – Top-tier surgeons and periodontists.
- Fellow, AAID – Mid-level, still credible.
- No credentials listed? That’s a problem.
📊 The Implant Expertise Ladder
🏅 Credential | 🧠 Meaning | 🔐 Trust Level |
---|---|---|
Diplomate, ABOI/ID | Elite implant expert (any specialty) | 🔒🔒🔒🔒🔒 |
Diplomate, ABOMS / ABP | Certified oral surgeon/periodontist | 🔒🔒🔒🔒 |
Fellow, AAID | Advanced training | 🔒🔒🔒 |
General Dentist (No boards) | May lack surgical experience | ⚠️ |
🗣️ “How Should I Interpret Online Reviews Without Getting Duped?”
Key Tip: Don’t just count the stars. Look for themes across reviews — both good and bad. One angry patient could be an outlier; ten saying the same thing is a pattern.
🎯 Themes to Zero In On
- Clear communication? – “He explained the surgery and my options.”
- Follow-up care? – “She called me that night to check in.”
- Pain management? – “Minimal swelling, no pain meds needed.”
- Team quality? – “The assistants were amazing and helped with financing.”
📊 Checklist: Signs of a Quality Experience
✅ Aspect | 🔍 What to Look For |
---|---|
🧑⚕️ Surgeon demeanor | Calm, confident, informative |
📞 Follow-up | Direct call from the surgeon |
💉 Comfort | Reviews mention “painless” or “easier than expected” |
💬 Honesty | Patients say the doctor recommended less invasive care |
👥 Staff support | Clean, friendly, efficient team |
🏥 “Does the Practice Offer All-in-One Care or Just Surgery?”
Big difference: Some doctors do only surgery, while others manage everything — from extraction to final crown.
🏗️ Interdisciplinary vs. Solo Approach
🏛️ Model | 🛠️ What It Offers | 🔍 What to Ask |
---|---|---|
All-in-One Practice | Surgery, crown, anesthesia, lab – under one roof | “Will I need to go elsewhere for the final tooth?” |
Surgical-Only Office | Just implant placement | “Who will restore my tooth?” |
Team-Based (Multi-Specialist) | Surgeon + prosthodontist + lab tech | “Do your specialists collaborate on cases?” |
⚠️ Tip: A solo general dentist doing everything without specialist credentials? Proceed with caution unless they’re an ABOI/ID Diplomate.
💬 “What Should I Ask During My First Consultation?”
Go in like a journalist, not a passive patient. Here’s your ready-to-go checklist:
🧾 Consultation Questions That Cut Through the Noise
- What’s your board certification?
- How many implants have you placed in the past year?
- Can I see a portfolio of before-and-after photos?
- Do you use 3D CBCT scanning for all implant cases?
- What is your complication management protocol?
- Who will place the final crown—you or a different provider?
- Will I have a dedicated treatment coordinator?
📋 Pro Tip: Ask for the exact names of any labs or technicians involved. The best practices often use in-house or elite labs.
💎 Final Word: Trust Skill Over Hype
In the world of implant dentistry, expertise is quiet — and marketing is loud.
A true implant specialist may not flood your feed with TikToks and “perfect smile” selfies. But they will:
- Show you detailed treatment plans.
- Hold elite credentials.
- Back it up with real, consistent patient outcomes.
The most trustworthy provider? The one who answers your toughest questions with transparency — and asks you some, too.
FAQs
🧠 “I see a lot of practices calling themselves ‘implant centers.’ What does that actually mean?”
The term “implant center” isn’t regulated. It can mean anything from a fully equipped facility offering surgical placement, prosthetic restoration, 3D imaging, sedation, and in-house lab work — to a general dental office that outsources nearly every part of the process.
What sets a true implant center apart is vertical integration. This means all critical elements — planning, surgery, aesthetics, and prosthetics — are handled internally or under direct supervision. You’re not bouncing between 3–4 providers hoping they communicate effectively.
📊 True Implant Center vs. Marketing Label
🔍 Feature | ✅ Real Implant Center | ❌ Just Marketing |
---|---|---|
🧪 3D Imaging & CBCT In-House | ✔️ | ❌ |
🦷 Full-Time Implant Specialist | ✔️ | ❌ |
🏗️ Lab Techs On-Site | ✔️ | ❌ |
💡 One Office, One Plan | ✔️ | ❌ |
✨ Website Claims Only | ❌ | ✔️ |
💡 Pro Tip: Ask the office who will place your implant, who will build the crown, and where your digital scans go. If the answers involve third parties you never meet, it’s not a full-service center — it’s a referral hub.
🔎 “How can I tell if a doctor really knows what they’re doing or just relies on tech?”
Great question — technology enhances expertise; it doesn’t replace it. A CBCT scanner, surgical guides, and digital workflows are only as effective as the clinician interpreting and using them.
The litmus test is how they describe their planning process:
- Do they walk you through the anatomy on the scan?
- Can they articulate implant angulation, spacing, and how it integrates with your bite?
- Do they factor in aesthetic zones, soft tissue thickness, and biotype?
📊 Red Flags vs. Expert Behavior
❌ Over-Reliance on Tech | ✅ Clinical Mastery |
---|---|
“The scanner does it all.” | “Let me show you how your nerve runs here.” |
Generic plan from software | Customized treatment with real-time adjustment |
No explanation of risks | Explains implant failure prevention, torque, grafting plans |
Skips mock-ups or wax-ups | Shows digital or physical mockup of final smile |
🧠 Expert Insight: A true expert can do more with less if needed. They can articulate why they’re using each tool, not just that they have it.
💸 “Why do prices vary so much? I saw one office quote $1,800 and another $5,500.”
Dental implant pricing varies dramatically depending on:
- Who is doing the work
- What kind of materials and labs are used
- How much surgical complexity is involved
- What’s bundled into the quote
Here’s what often causes confusion: an “implant” is only the titanium screw. The abutment and crown? Those are separate — and so are anesthesia, grafting, sinus lifts, and temporary restorations.
📊 Breaking Down Implant Cost Estimates
💰 Component | 💸 Low-End Cost | 💎 High-End Cost |
---|---|---|
🪛 Titanium Implant | $800 | $1,500 |
🔩 Abutment (connector) | $200 | $600 |
👑 Crown | $800 | $1,500+ |
🛌 Sedation (IV/General) | $300–$1,000 | $1,500+ |
🧱 Bone Graft or Membrane | $400+ | $1,000+ |
🧾 TOTAL per Tooth | ~$2,200 | $5,500+ |
💡 Ask This: “Is your quote all-inclusive, and what materials/labs are being used?” A $3,000 quote using knockoff parts and outsourced labs isn’t the same as a $5,000 quote using top-tier German components and a master ceramist.
🔬 “Do implant success rates really vary that much by provider?”
Yes — massively. A top-tier surgeon with thousands of successful cases and advanced credentials might have a success rate >98%, even in medically complex patients.
Compare that to a general dentist dabbling in implants a few times a month — their rate may hover around 85–90%, or lower in tricky anatomical zones.
What affects success rate:
- Experience & case volume
- Use of CBCT for planning
- Proper torque and healing protocol
- Patient-specific considerations (diabetes, smoking, bone quality)
📊 What Drives Implant Success Rates
🧠 Factor | ⚠️ Weak Provider | 🏆 Elite Specialist |
---|---|---|
Years of Experience | <5 years | 10–30+ years |
Case Volume / Year | 10–30 | 200–1000+ |
Graft Protocols | Basic / delayed | Advanced / layered |
Tech Integration | Partial | Full digital workflow |
Reported Success Rate | ~88–93% | ~98–99.5% |
📈 Data-Driven Advice: Ask, “What is your implant success rate, and over how many cases?” If they hesitate or dodge, it’s a red flag. Experts know their numbers cold.
😬 “I have anxiety about dental work. Can I still do implants comfortably?”
Absolutely — but not every office is equipped to handle dental anxiety properly. You want to find a practice that offers IV sedation or general anesthesia administered by a certified provider, ideally a Diplomate in dental anesthesiology or a surgical office with hospital-grade training.
Signs the office is anxiety-competent:
- They ask about your fears without judgment
- They offer multiple sedation levels (oral, IV, general)
- They explain the entire process before starting
- They follow up personally post-op
📊 Anxiety-Friendly vs. High-Stress Practices
😌 Comfort-First Practice | 😖 Red-Flag Environment |
---|---|
IV sedation with certified provider | Only local numbing |
Discusses anxiety in consult | Ignores or dismisses fears |
Calls night of surgery | Sends generic post-op instructions |
Quiet, private setting | Rushed, loud, or crowded office |
💡 Look For: Oral surgeons with Diplomate status in anesthesia or periodontists working with in-office anesthesia teams. Your comfort and trust are part of the success.
🎯 “Should I trust before-and-after photos on websites?”
They’re useful — but only when properly presented and verifiable.
A credible photo portfolio should:
- Be labeled with actual case details (not stock images)
- Show full-face photos, not just cropped teeth
- Include pre-op x-rays, healing stages, and final results
- Represent real cases (ask: “Are these your patients?”)
📊 How to Read Implant Portfolios
📷 Photo Feature | ✅ Trustworthy | ❌ Suspect |
---|---|---|
Includes context (age, type of case) | ✔️ | ❌ |
Shows smile line and gum contours | ✔️ | ❌ |
Exact same background, lighting every time | ❌ | ✔️ (possible stock images) |
No explanation or x-ray support | ❌ | ✔️ |
💡 Expert Tip: Ask to see photos during your consultation, ideally matched with a live treatment plan — not just a website carousel.
🧬 “Is bone loss always a dealbreaker for getting implants?”
Not at all. While severe alveolar bone loss does complicate implant placement, it’s no longer a barrier thanks to advanced regenerative techniques. A skilled implant surgeon can rebuild vertical or horizontal bone volume using various grafting protocols tailored to your anatomy and biology.
There are several surgical options, each with distinct applications:
📊 Chart: Solutions for Bone Loss
🧱 Bone Loss Type | 🔧 Grafting Technique | ⏱️ Healing Timeline | 💡 Best For |
---|---|---|---|
Horizontal (width) | Particulate bone graft + membrane | 4–6 months | Ridge thinning |
Vertical (height) | Block graft or titanium mesh | 6–9 months | Severe resorption |
Posterior upper jaw | Sinus lift (lateral or crestal) | 4–9 months | Molar area w/ sinus pneumatization |
Minimal loss | Socket preservation at extraction | 2–4 months | Immediate future implants |
💡 Insider Tip: For borderline cases, short implants or zygomatic implants may be used to avoid grafting altogether — but these require high surgical precision and shouldn’t be done by generalists.
🔄 “What’s the difference between immediate and delayed implants? Which one’s safer?”
Immediate implants are placed the same day a tooth is extracted. They offer convenience and preserve bone, but they’re only viable if the socket walls are intact and infection-free. Delayed placement occurs after healing and regeneration — often safer for long-term success.
📊 Immediate vs. Delayed Implants Breakdown
⏱️ Timing | ⚙️ Immediate Implant | 🧪 Delayed Implant |
---|---|---|
✅ Bone preservation | ✔️ Yes | ❌ Less efficient |
🛑 Risk of complications | 🔸 Slightly higher | ✅ Lower overall |
🏗️ Esthetic control (front teeth) | ⚠️ Can be tricky | ✔️ More predictable |
💉 Infection risk | 🔸 If extraction site infected | ✅ Minimal if fully healed |
🔄 Bone graft may be needed? | Often | Sometimes |
📌 What to Ask: “Do I have adequate buccal bone and primary stability for immediate placement?” If your provider can answer that with measured confidence and imaging proof, you’re in the right chair.
🧪 “Are all implant brands the same? Why do some docs emphasize using ‘premium’ systems?”
No, not even close. Implant brands vary in surface treatment, thread design, compatibility, and long-term research data. Premium systems like Straumann, Nobel Biocare, or Astra Tech are engineered for better osseointegration, soft tissue response, and component reliability — with decades of clinical trials to back it.
Cheaper, generic implants (some imported or rebranded systems) often lack FDA approvals, component interchangeability, and long-term data.
📊 Brand Comparison Cheat Sheet
🏷️ Brand Tier | 🦷 Examples | 🔍 Differentiators | 🧬 Long-Term Data? |
---|---|---|---|
🔝 Premium | Straumann, Nobel, Astra | Surface tech, R&D, custom abutments | ✔️ Extensive |
⚖️ Mid-Tier | BioHorizons, Zimmer, Hiossen | Reliable, fewer restoration options | ✔️ Moderate |
🧪 Generic | Blue Sky Bio, Implant Direct | Lower cost, reduced documentation | ❌ Sparse |
💡 Ask Directly: “Which brand are you using, and why?” Transparency around manufacturer, country of origin, and component warranty is a sign of professional integrity.
🧠 “Why do some dentists say they place implants in 20 minutes? Shouldn’t this take longer?”
That speed is only possible with template-guided surgery in simple, single-unit cases — and only when the site has been carefully planned using CBCT, intraoral scanning, and surgical guides. Quick placement doesn’t mean sloppy — it could reflect meticulous prep work.
But be wary if the speed is emphasized without mention of diagnostics, bone quality assessment, or torque control. Rushing through complex multi-unit or grafted cases is a red flag.
📊 Surgical Timing Breakdown
🕒 Case Type | ⏱️ Typical Duration | ⚠️ Speed Red Flag? |
---|---|---|
🦷 Single immediate molar | 20–40 mins | ❌ If fully guided |
👄 Anterior esthetic implant | 60–90 mins | ✔️ If rushed |
🧱 Graft + implant | 1.5–2.5 hrs | ❌ Normal |
🦷 All-on-4 procedure | 3–6 hrs (full arch) | ❌ Needed for precision |
💬 Ask: “Is this guided or freehand surgery?” A brief case can be safe, but only if rooted in advanced planning — not cutting corners.
🎓 “Do prosthodontists place implants, or do they just handle the crowns?”
Traditionally, prosthodontists handle the design and placement of the final crown, bridge, or denture — focusing on function, aesthetics, and occlusion. However, many now receive surgical training and place implants themselves, especially with digital workflows.
Whether your prosthodontist also performs surgery depends on their postdoctoral training. If they hold a Diplomate status (ABOI/ID) or did a combined surgical fellowship, they might do everything.
📊 Role Clarity: Who Does What?
🎓 Specialty | 🪛 Places Implants | 🏗️ Restores Teeth |
---|---|---|
Oral Surgeon | ✔️ Always | ❌ Rarely |
Periodontist | ✔️ Yes | ❌ Usually not |
Prosthodontist | 🔸 Sometimes | ✔️ Always |
General Dentist | 🔸 Variable | ✔️ Most do |
💡 Ask Specifically: “Will you be doing both my surgery and the crown, or is this a two-provider case?” Then ask to meet both, especially in complex or esthetic areas.
🦴 “What’s the difference between ridge splitting and grafting? Which is better?”
Ridge splitting is a surgical technique where a narrow ridge is split and expanded to accommodate an implant — typically used in the upper jaw with softer bone. It allows for simultaneous implant placement and is ideal when width is the issue, not height.
Bone grafting, by contrast, involves adding volume using harvested or synthetic material, which then needs time to integrate — often adding months to your timeline.
📊 Technique Comparison Guide
🧱 Challenge | 🧬 Ridge Splitting | 🦴 Bone Graft |
---|---|---|
Ridge width | ✅ Great option | ✔️ Works too |
Ridge height | ❌ Not effective | ✅ Preferred |
Timeline | Faster (implant placed same day) | Slower (4–9 month healing) |
Complexity | Moderate | Moderate to high |
Bone type needed | Softer (type III–IV) | Any |
💡 Rule of Thumb: Splitting is best when the ridge is ≥3mm wide but lacks enough width for a standard implant. If it’s thinner or height-deficient, grafting is the safer, more predictable approach.
🔍 “Can I get implants if I grind my teeth at night? My dentist seemed unsure.”
Yes — but only with protective measures and proper planning. Bruxism (teeth grinding) creates abnormal forces on implants, which can lead to micromovements, screw loosening, and even failure of osseointegration if not properly accounted for.
Implant cases for bruxers require:
- Wider-diameter or short implants for greater load distribution
- Angled abutments or milled zirconia prosthetics to resist lateral pressure
- Nightguards (occlusal splints) to protect during sleep
- Careful evaluation of centric occlusion and parafunctional habits
📊 Implants for Bruxers: Treatment Modifications
😬 Bruxism Factor | ⚙️ Clinical Adjustment | 🔐 Why It’s Necessary |
---|---|---|
Heavy occlusal load | Use of custom nightguard | Prevents microfractures in implant crown |
Parafunctional grinding | Broader implant body or twin implants | Distributes forces more evenly |
Posterior placement | Avoid cantilevers or long spans | Reduces off-axis pressure |
Material choice | Monolithic zirconia vs. layered ceramic | Zirconia resists chipping or fracture |
💡 Clinical Tip: Advanced providers often use digital occlusal sensors (like T-Scan) to measure bite forces before restoring implants in bruxers. If your provider uses this tech, that’s a big green flag.
🔄 “What’s the difference between screw-retained vs. cement-retained implant crowns?”
This is one of the most under-discussed but critically important choices in implantology.
- Screw-retained crowns are held in place with a tiny screw through the crown into the implant. Easy to remove if complications arise.
- Cement-retained crowns are glued on — more aesthetic in some anterior cases, but pose risks if excess cement remains under the gum (a leading cause of peri-implantitis).
📊 Retention Type Comparison
⚙️ Type | 🪛 Screw-Retained | 🧪 Cement-Retained |
---|---|---|
Retrievability | ✅ Easily removed | ❌ Usually destructive |
Peri-implantitis risk | 🔽 Lower | 🔼 Higher (due to cement) |
Esthetics (front teeth) | ⚠️ Visible screw access | ✅ Cleaner look |
Ideal for full-arch? | ✔️ Yes | ❌ No |
Long-term maintenance | 🔧 Adjustable | ⚠️ Fixed, harder to access |
💡 Rule of Thumb: If your implant is angled correctly, always ask for screw-retained — it’s safer long term. Only accept cement retention if absolutely necessary, and ensure a custom abutment with venting is used to limit excess cement.
🧬 “How long do dental implants really last? Can they fail years later even if everything seemed perfect?”
They can — though rare in skilled hands. Implants don’t “expire,” but late-stage failures can occur due to biological, biomechanical, or hygiene-related factors.
Top causes of late failure:
- Peri-implantitis (inflammatory bone loss due to plaque)
- Overload (chewing stress without enough implant support)
- Poor prosthetic design (too few implants supporting too many teeth)
- Systemic conditions (uncontrolled diabetes, immune disorders)
📊 Timeline of Risk Factors
📆 Timeframe | ⛔ Common Threats | 🔍 Prevention Strategy |
---|---|---|
0–6 months | Failure to osseointegrate | Atraumatic surgery, no movement |
6–24 months | Overload from premature loading | Gradual functional load, occlusal checks |
2–10 years | Peri-implantitis, hygiene neglect | Regular hygiene, soft tissue maintenance |
10+ years | Systemic changes, prosthetic fatigue | Annual x-rays, re-torque abutments |
💡 Maintenance Tip: Annual torque verification and peri-implant probing are key — but only a small percentage of offices do this unless you ask. Be that patient.
📉 “My dentist mentioned ‘implant mobility’ at a checkup. What does that mean and should I worry?”
Implant mobility is never normal. Natural teeth move slightly due to their ligament, but implants are ankylosed directly to bone. Movement means loss of osseointegration — either from bone resorption, infection, or mechanical failure.
📊 If Your Implant Is Mobile: Root Cause Diagnosis
🚨 Symptom | 🔍 Likely Cause | 🛠️ Clinical Action |
---|---|---|
Crown moves but implant is solid | Loose abutment or screw | Tighten or replace screw |
Whole implant wiggles | Bone loss / failure | Remove and graft site |
Swelling + mobility | Infection or peri-implantitis | Antimicrobials, possible explantation |
Clicking sound | Prosthetic instability | Disassemble and inspect components |
💡 Patient Power Move: Ask for a CBCT scan and periotest reading. These two tools can confirm whether it’s a prosthetic issue or a biological failure.
🏗️ “How do I know if I need a sinus lift? Can’t they just place a shorter implant instead?”
Great question. Sinus lifts (aka sinus augmentation) are used when the bone height in your posterior maxilla (upper back jaw) isn’t enough to hold an implant due to sinus pneumatization or previous bone loss.
Short implants are improving, but they’re not a one-size-fits-all substitute. Whether you need a sinus lift depends on:
- How much bone you have (in mm)
- The quality of that bone
- What implant length/diameter is required for function
📊 When Sinus Lift Is Necessary
🦷 Bone Height | 🧪 Recommended Approach | 🏥 Notes |
---|---|---|
>8mm | Standard implant | No grafting needed |
5–7mm | Short implant possible | Evaluate bone density |
3–5mm | Crestal sinus lift + implant | Less invasive, good option |
<3mm | Lateral sinus lift required | Longer healing, predictable |
💡 Expert Marker: If your provider uses DASK technique (drill-assisted sinus kit) or piezosurgery, that’s a sign they’re using minimally invasive sinus protocols — which improves comfort and outcome.
🧠 “What’s the role of digital dentistry in implants? Is it just for the crown design or more?”
Digital workflows have transformed implantology at every stage — not just for esthetics but for accuracy, efficiency, and safety.
Pre-surgical phase:
- CBCT and intraoral scans create a 3D jaw map.
- Software simulations allow precise angulation and depth planning.
Surgical phase:
- Custom surgical guides ensure millimeter-perfect placement.
- Dynamic navigation (like GPS for the mouth) allows real-time implant steering.
Restorative phase:
- Digital impressions enable flawless crown fitting, often with same-day delivery.
- CAD/CAM milling ensures tight margins and ideal occlusion.
📊 Benefits of Digital Implant Workflow
💻 Phase | 🎯 Digital Advantage | 📈 Outcome |
---|---|---|
Planning | CBCT + IOS integration | Fewer surprises, better diagnostics |
Surgery | Guided placement | Safer, faster healing |
Restoration | CAD/CAM crown or bridge | Better bite, longer-lasting results |
Records | Cloud-based models | Easier follow-up, cross-office collaboration |
💡 Modern Office Insight: If your dentist shows you your digital scan on a touchscreen and walks you through the plan — not just printouts — you’re likely in the hands of a digitally fluent clinician.