In Scientology, an implant is similar to an engram in that it is believed to condition the mind in a certain way. The difference is that an implant is done on purpose.

The intention in the original engram or incident is to implant an idea or emotion or sensation, regarding some person, place, or thing, etc. The intention in Scientology and Dianetics is to erase the compulsive or command effect of the idea, emotion, sensation, etc. so that the person can make a rational judgment and decision in the effected areas of life.

Scientology practices often have to do with addressing implants taking place prior to the current lifetime — one of the most notable is the large R6 implant, said to have been placed in the human mind 75,000,000 years ago by Xenu — but in some cases current life implants are addressed.

Even apparent therapeutic uses of implants, such as seen in psychiatry and psychology, are frowned upon in Scientology, in that these are merely adding to and compounding the various compulsions, etc. that a person already has. The Scientology philosophic and technical point is that often the person already has a compulsion in the area that they want to address or handle. So why compound it by adding another compulsion to counter the first one? It is better to address and handle the original compulsion in the first place in the course of standard therapy.

Things considered to be examples of implants include Aversion therapy, Electroconvulsive therapy, hypnosis, various attempts at brainwashing, and the inducing of fear and/or terror. Note that this is not a complete list, as many kinds of incidents can include implants as an element.