Osstem Implant is levelling up dental care in Bangladesh
In a country where healthcare advancements are a constant pursuit, the field of dentistry has seen quiet progress. At the forefront of this revolution stands Osstem Implant, a South Korea-based dental solutions provider that is changing the way Bangladeshis perceive and receive dental care.
Born from a dentist’s vision in South Korea in 1997, the company grew into a global powerhouse, bringing its expertise to Bangladesh in 2011. While today many know them for dental implants, as the company’s managing director in Bangladesh, Jong Won Kim, explains to ICE Today in a recent conversation, Osstem’s real impact comes from a comprehensive, three-pronged approach: providing cutting-edge solutions, embracing digital precision, and empowering local dentists with world-class education. The philosophy behind this approach is deeply personal to Kim. “Dentistry is not only about technology. It is ultimately about improving the quality of patients’ lives,” he states.
For a patient missing a tooth, the journey towards a new smile begins with a single, foundational decision. This is where Osstem’s implant systems come in. Unlike simple screws, these are meticulously engineered components designed to function as a tooth’s new root. With a full suite of implants, each designed for a specific clinical need, Osstem gives dentists the ability to choose the perfect component for each individual patient. Some implants, for instance, are designed with a special surface that accelerates bone integration, while others feature a distinctive thread design for immediate stability. This tailored approach prevents any future bone loss, ensuring a predictable procedure and a more stable, long-lasting foundation.
This patient-centric approach to implants is just one part of a wider transformation in dental care. Another major turning point in modern dentistry is the move from traditional methods to a digitally-driven approach that takes guesswork out of the equation. Osstem is a key player in this shift, with its OneGuide, a digital surgical system.
In the past, implant placement relied almost entirely on a dentist’s manual skill. Today, Osstem uses advanced 3D scanning and software to create a precise digital blueprint of a patient’s jaw. From this plan, a custom guide is fabricated, which fits perfectly in the patient’s mouth and contains sleeves that dictate the exact angle, depth, and position for the implant. With these guides, a complex surgery becomes a safe and reliable procedure, giving both the dentist and the patient peace of mind. The technology ensures the implant treatment is safer, faster, and more precise, meeting the growing demand for shorter treatment times and minimally invasive procedures.
However, the company believes its greater responsibility is to ensure these technologies are relevant and accessible in Bangladesh. Perhaps it is why education is becoming one of Osstem’s enduring legacies. This is definitely a core tenet for Kim, who points out that, “For innovations to be meaningful, they must be localised and adapted to the environment in which they are applied.”
For many local dentists, transitioning to the complex field of implantology can be daunting. Osstem bridges this knowledge gap with its acclaimed OIC (Osstem Implant Course) programme. These six-day courses, led by experienced implantologists, offer a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on clinical practice. Dentists learn to plan cases, perform surgical procedures, and manage potential complications. “Collaboration with local dental associations and universities is at the heart of our strategy in Bangladesh,” Kim states. By equipping professionals with these skills, Osstem not only sells its products but also invests in a new generation of experts who can deliver world-class dental care.
This transformation, in many ways, represents more than just advanced treatment for the people of Bangladesh; its a promise of a more confident future, right at home. Patients no longer need to seek better healthcare options abroad, as the dental services they require are becoming more accessible, precise, and sophisticated in their own country. Digital dentistry is undoubtedly the future of oral healthcare, and it is a future where cutting-edge technology and compassionate care work hand-in-hand to build a healthier, more confident Bangladesh.
To get an on-the-ground perspective on how technology and education are transforming local dental care, we spoke to Dr. Shihabur Rahman, a leading implantologist and founder of LASER DENTAL, a state-of-the-art dental clinic in Banani. Dr. Rahman’s work embodies the advancement of dental care in Bangladesh by providing treatments that meet the same high standards as top clinics abroad, a goal he achieves through his close collaboration with Osstem.
How has dentistry in Bangladesh evolved in the last decade?
In the last ten years, the way we practice dentistry in Bangladesh has changed significantly. We are also observing a growing demand for cosmetic dentistry and implants, particularly from younger generations and the expat community who are increasingly aware of global standards. This trend is what drives clinics like ours to constantly invest in the latest technology and training, ensuring we can deliver a world-class standard of care right here in Dhaka.
From a professional standpoint, what makes Osstem Implant a reliable choice?
At LASER DENTAL, our priority is providing treatments that combine precision, safety, and long-term success. Osstem Implants stand out for their outstanding quality, advanced surface technology, and a proven global record of high success rates. I particularly value the OneGuide system, as it allows us to digitally plan and execute implant surgeries with remarkable accuracy. For my patients, this means a safer, more predictable, and often pain-free experience. For us as clinicians, it provides the assurance to consistently deliver world-class results.
What challenges do dental practitioners in Bangladesh face, and how do you address them?
There’s a general lack of patient awareness about oral health, which often means people only seek care when a condition is already severe. There’s also limited access to advanced training for local doctors. At LASER DENTAL, we address these issues in two ways: focusing on patient education—both in-house and through our social media platforms—and personally invest in continuous training. Our close collaboration with Osstem has been truly transformative in this regard.
In your opinion, how is Osstem elevating dental care in Bangladesh?
Osstem is bridging the gap between Bangladesh and the most advanced dental practices worldwide. By introducing digital solutions, they are making implant surgery safer, faster, and more predictable than ever before. Beyond technology, their critical role in continuous education is key. They are empowering local dentists with the knowledge and confidence to provide world-class care locally. This means patients no longer need to travel abroad for advanced implant treatments; they can experience the same excellence right here in Bangladesh.